Own a Vintage Sports Car with the Affordable 1981 Puma GTI!

Efficient 1.6-liter VW engine packs 54 horsepower to drive the car with ease.

If you’re in the market for a unique sports car that won’t break your budget, this 1981 Puma GTI might just be the one to consider. This uncommon sports car is currently up for sale on Bring A Trailer.

This vehicle is not associated with the well-known Puma shoe brand, which is known for its sponsorship of F1 teams such as Scuderia Ferrari. Puma, a Brazilian sports car maker, has faced multiple periods of decline and revival throughout its history.

Constructed using a Volkswagen frame, this Puma GTI stands as one of only about 610 models ever produced. Its exterior boasts a Rino Malzoni-crafted fiberglass facade that was repainted with a vibrant red hue by its previous owner. The current seller obtained the vehicle just last year and put in significant effort to revamp it for its upcoming owner.

The alterations encompass the substitution of the spark plugs, springs for the throttle cable, heater hoses, as well as the fuel and air filters. Still, the merchant pointed out a few imperfections, such as a fractured right taillight, marks on the fiberglass exterior and dashboard, and rust on the steel support tubes. Additionally, the AM/FM cassette player is inoperable and the vehicle lacks a valid title.

As for its exterior design, the Puma GTI boasts a sleek black rear spoiler, a ventilated engine cover, and a shining quad exhaust. Adding to its stylish look are the E-Scorro 14-inch wheels adorned with Puma center caps, encased in 185/70 Hallmark Premium tires in the front and Goodyear Integrity tires in the back. To ensure smooth braking, the vehicle is equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Upon entering, riders are greeted with a charcoal-colored interior featuring a three-spoke steering wheel. The operator also has access to Puma-branded gauges, including a speedometer reaching 200 km/h (124 mph), a tachometer, and indicators for fuel level, oil pressure, and temperature. A quick glance at the odometer reveals that the vehicle has approximately 81,000 kilometers (50,331 miles) on it.

The car is propelled by a 1.6-liter Volkswagen air-cooled flat-four engine, producing a modest 54 horsepower and 78 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to a four-speed manual transaxle that delivers power to the rear wheels, adhering to the standard setup found in all Type 1 cars, including the iconic Beetle.

Despite its lack of power, the fairly diminutive engine is a cost-effective means of transportation for cruising through town in a stylish manner. This sets it apart from high-performance vehicles such as the Datsun 280ZX, which shares a similar appearance and served as the inspiration for the Nissan Z. However, the 280ZX’s L Series inline-six engine guzzles fuel at a much faster rate.

Currently, the current highest offer stands at $3,250. If this catches your eye, it is essential to act quickly as the listing will come to an end on January 12. The property is situated in Canada.