Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup
The pickup version of the Volkswagen Rabbit (as the first generation VW Golf was named in the US) was produced at the Volkswagen Westmoreland Assembly Plant in Pennsylvania. It remains the only pickup ever sold in the United States by Volkswagen.
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup Overview
The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup, known elsewhere in the world as the Volkswagen Caddy, was a compact utility vehicle produced by Volkswagen based on the Golf (Rabbit in North America) Mk1 platform. The Rabbit Pickup was unique in that it blended the features of a compact car with the utility of a small pickup truck, resulting in a niche vehicle that has garnered a cult following over the years.
The vehicle was primarily developed for the North American market, where compact pickups were gaining in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. As mentioned, the Rabbit Pickup was based on the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 platform (the Golf was called the Rabbit in North America).
The front half of the vehicle closely resembled the Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf Mk1, with the rear half being a flatbed pickup truck design. It was available with both gasoline and diesel engines. The diesel variant, in particular, was noted for its impressive fuel economy, which was a significant selling point during a time when fuel efficiency was becoming more valued. The Rabbit Pickup offered both manual and automatic transmission options. In the U.S., it was available in both base and sportier “LX” trims.
While many Volkswagen vehicles were manufactured in Germany, the Rabbit Pickup for the North American market was built in Volkswagen’s Westmoreland plant in Pennsylvania, USA. The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup was sold in North America from 1979 to 1984.
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup Sales Figures
The Rabbit Pickup has a dedicated enthusiast community today. Its combination of car-like handling, utility, and the fuel efficiency of its diesel variant has made it a sought-after classic for many Volkswagen aficionados.
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup US Sales Data & Charts
US Annual Sales
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