Tom Heath wrote: Early VW Rabbit (See above, probably less reliable but much cooler.) I
I see no reason that an early rabbit could not be a reliable daily. I used them pretty much exclusively for a decades worth of everyday motoring. The aftermarket is HUGE. Spare parts are clogging every junk yard in the nation.
This caddy was the best vehicle I ever built. All the utility in the world and 156hp at the wheels with a mild 16V swap.
Everyone pratters on about the dodgy electrics and yeah...VW made a mistake and placed the fuse panel under a windshield seal that often leaked. But you know what? That fuse box is still avaliable brand new so you can cure all those issues easily. The rest of the car is as simple as a stone. There just isn't much to go wrong.
A german built rabbit (pre-79) with a cheap 5spd and 2 liter swap from a junked A3 might just be the perfect semi-classic commuter. An easy 35mpg in town, comfortable, lightweight, can cruise all day long at modern freeway speeds and has enough power to keep you entertained.
"Sweat is what makes it rock and roll, otherwise it is just folk music with drums"
