Endangered Species

- by By Bill Owen, founder of VolkSport VW Club

Editor's Note:This article was written for the original VWWorld website. I'm reposting it here since it was a great story about the Dasher.

The European Passat went on sale in the U.S. as the Dasher in mid 1973. Dashers were very similar mechanically to the Euro-market Passats and Audi 80s, though their suspension was tuned for a softer ride. Both the Passat and the Dasher settled down for a solid run. By their retirement in 1980, 1.769,600 had been built worldwide. A total unimpressive next to the Beetle numbers. prices ranged from $4000 - $7800 from 1973-1980. In 1976, the engine was enlarged to 1.6 liters and though there was no gain in advertised peak power, mid range muscle increased and the car became easier to drive. That same year , U.S. versions dropped their two barrel carburetor in favor of Bosch K-jetronic fuel injection and were rated at 89 hp. The Dasher's reputation was damaged by poor workmanship. Dealers received complaints about brake problems, emissions, interior controls. None the less, It was a very influential design that Detroit was soon to copy for future Econoboxes.
"A very well done exercise in space and fuel efficiency." "A good car caught outside it's proper time frame." - ROAD and TRACK magazine.

Information resources: "Volkswagen Chronicle" by Grahm Robson and the editors of the Consumer Guide. "Illustrated Volkswagen Buyer's Guide" by Peter Vack

I purchased my `80 Dasher in August for $500 with the intention of Ice Racing this season. I've discovered the 2drs are quite rare. Nothing really on the web about them except in Brazil and parts are nearly non existent. I'm running the risk of a lot of dents on the ice and need a good source for body parts. Where are the parts? Nobody's tuned these things in the VW performance circles? The stock 1.6 liter is weak, but the Dasher has a curb weight of 2150 pds which allows it a lil pep. The standard 4spd tranny has got to go. Of course the Europeans were offered a 110 hp version of the 1.6 in a Dasher GT.

Volkswagen felt a the sportier version would never sell here.. I also think it would be an excellent candidate for autocrossing in the street prepared class with a good suspension set-up. While I wait for the lakes to freeze over, my Dasher will serve as a winter driver. This will be my first experience on the ice and will keep you informed once I find out more info.. Any fellow Dasher (Euro-Passat) owners looking to start an e-mail correspondence and exchange ideas. contact vlksport@visi.com

1980 Dasher 2dr 4spd
1.6 fuel injected
mods....
shaved rear markers
Mk-1 GTI stripes
BBS 13X6 turbos
GTI steering wheel
GTI gauge cluster
GTI lip spoiler
black-out tailights
custom ram-air w/ K/N