Rabbit Turbo Diesel production figures?

[Wayland]

Anybody know how many factory TD Rabbits were produced? I understand they were only available in 83-84, and I keep hearing how "rare" they are. I happen to have one, and over the last few years I've seen a few on the roads here, and one in a wrecking yard. Have I just been lucky to see several/own one, or are they not really as rare as people say?

[rabbitman]

I heard they made 5000 td rabbit's in '83, I have no proof though.

[Wayland]

Do you recall where you heard that? Any idea where I could get more info?

[rabbitman]

Do you recall where you heard that? Any idea where I could get more info?

I think I read it on this site, it's been a few years now though. Have you searched yet?

[Quantum TD]

I'd wager it's closer to 50-100 than 5000. I've seen MAYBE 4 for sale in the past decade. Versus, about 3 dozen Jetta ECOdiesels, of which there were maybe 1000 made. I doubt the difference has to do with preferential scrapping of the rabbits. We all know how much people love to squeeze the last ounce of life out of a diesel, especially a turbo.

Most that you see for sale are not original. They're Jetta TDs motors that have been swapped into Rabbit bodies. Most of the swaps come from later Jettas (1985-1987). Most of the turbos were of European manufacture.

For comparison sake: Here's and ORIGINAL Rabbit TD on Jack Ewald's website. It's one of TWO sold in the entire state of Missouri (I'm sure there was only one VW dealer in the whole state in the 1980s).

http://www.vwdieselparts.com/rtdr.htm

In my entire life (30+ years of tinkering on VWs), I've seen NONE in person. Compare that to seeing (in person) about a dozen Helios Jetta GLIs (about 1500 made), a dozen ECOdiesels, and about a dozen Wolfsburg Edition Jetta Coupes (1985-1987): about 500-1000 made.

[Dennis Froelich]

Approximately 80 1983 Rabbit TDs were produced. 1984 Rabbit TDs, approximately 400 were produced.
These numbers are from a guy who worked at VW.

[Wayland]

Interesting. I think they must have sold more of them in Canada than the US, because in addition to the one I own, I've seen 2 or 3 that were definitely factory TD here on Vancouver Island.

[SMOKEYDUB]

i have an 84 origonal turbodiesel for sale minus engine and trans... http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-1984-Volkswagen-Rabbit-RACE-CAR-W0QQAdIdZ162653146

[ODwyerPW]

I've heard numbers closer to DLF-VW as well....80 for 83 and 450 for 84.

I have an 83, 2 door, sunroof.  probably a rare build.  I have factory PS, AC & Cruise for it too.

Previous owner did a rear disc brake conversion (wish he hadn't, but only because it's not stock). So,  I've got a 2nd tire well fuel tank, trailer hitch and Sporttruck eggcrate grill going in.

Id did a conversion on the sunroof....tilt/slide from a SciroccoII....pretty cool.

If I finish it...it's going to be an incredible car.  If I sell it...someone is getting an incredible deal.