This is a 1979 Dasher Diesel Wagon that is an all original survivor, and is a barnfind that was rescued in May 2025, after 30 years in storage.
Dashers were the first generation of Passat sold in America but marketed under the Dasher name. They have become increasingly rare today.
As a longtime VW enthusiast and professional restorer of vintage VW’s at a reputable shop, I can attest that this is one of the nicest examples of an unrestored Dasher in existence.
This car has a total of 222,000 miles, which is considered low on these early diesels. They are historically reliable and known to run forever, often bringing mileages in the range of 40 to nearly 50MPG.
This diesel is the 1.5L Naturally Aspirated version that produces 47HP, and the transmission is a manual 4 speed stickshift. It runs and drives extremely well after a 30 year nap. Lots of maintenance was done to get this car back on the road.
Recent work and parts include:
-New battery
-Timing belt
-Injection pump
-white wall Tires
-Brakes, all hydraulic components (wheel cyls, hoses, master)
-Shifter bushings
-Oil change and filter
All lights, horn, gauges, clock and radio function as they should (sometimes radio tuning knob sticks). Probably one of the coolest accessories on this car in the dealership installed air conditioning, which varied from the integrated units found on cars with factory AC. It’s very unique and in all my years of collecting rare oddball VWs, I have not seen another. It is intact and turns on, but does not blow cold. It would likely need serviced by a vintage AC specialist.
The interior is super clean with an incredibly clean and intact headliner, very clean seats, and even the carpet has held up very well. The dash has also held up very well, but there are 2 cracks from age. A brand new dash mat has been fitted in matching brown that fits and matches perfectly for continued dash protection.
The body is nice and straight, in its original Mexico Beige, with nearly no damage except for perhaps one or two small dings on front hood which do not detract at all from its appearance. There are no known spots of rust except a very small spot below rear window, which is superficial and has been treated so it will not continue.
This car presents extremely well, and has won several awards at various car shows for its originality and rarity. (Please note: while the awards are show in the pics, they will not be included with the car, as they are part of my portfolio. The lucky new owner must earn their new awards, and no doubt this car will remain a strong competitor in show).
Survivor vehicles of this obscurity and this condition don’t come up for sale often.
This is your chance to own one of the nicest original VW Dashers in existence.
Car has a clean California Title in my name and is Smog Exempt. Car is located in Berkeley, California. 15 minutes from San Francisco. International bidders are welcome, I’m glad to assist with shipping.
Price: Auction
More info: Click here to see original eBay auction and get more information (Affiliate link)
Seller's other items: rasvw (Affiliate link)
Location: Berkeley, California, United States
