Puma 1600 GT Targa the only one on the German market extremely rare (1980)

Vehicle description

The Puma is a Volkswagen-based special sports car built in Brazil. Strict Brazilian regulations that restricted imports to promote domestic automobile production led to the development of the Puma and other specialty vehicles. Production began in 1964 with DKW components and was converted to VW components in 1967. This required a change from front engine and front-wheel drive to rear engine and rear-wheel drive. The first Pumas were built exclusively for racing, but it didn't take long for them to be built for road use as well.

In this auction, a Puma 1600 GT Targa is offered, which according to the seller is unique in the German-speaking world. The original version of the vehicle was produced in 1963 on a VW basis and first registered in February of the same year. In 1980, the vehicle was completely revised and rebuilt in its current form. The car only came to Europe from Brazil in 2007, as can be seen from the Dutch export document. No information is available about the history of the vehicle and the previous owners in the time before. A checkbook is also not available. The Puma 1600 GT Targa is roadworthy and has two keys, but is currently not registered. In addition, a general inspection at the TÜV would have to be carried out before the vehicle with the VIN 00000000004971987 was registered.

The paint was completely renewed in 2018, so that the entire exterior presents itself in an appealing look. External defects are hardly present due to the careful preparation and are limited to typical age-related wear and tear on the bumper, targa roof or door handles. Of course, there is no rust, as it is a GRP body.

For optimal locomotion, the Puma 1600 GT Targa drives on 15'' alloy wheels in retro design. As good as new, Toyo Proxes wheels in the sizes 225/50 (rear) and 205/50 (front) are mounted, which give the vehicle an additional sporty aura. The brakes have recently been completely renewed and are therefore fully functional.

The interior of the vehicle has been left in its original condition from 1980 and makes an authentic impression. For the design of the seats, an interesting combination of leather and fabric was chosen, which gives the car a special character. The side doors are also lined with leather, otherwise the equipment of the Puma is functional as usual. Technical gimmicks are the three built-in additional instruments for oil pressure and voltometer, among others.

Apart from typical signs of use, the interior is in good overall condition, the cockpit could be further visually enhanced by cosmetic measures. All built-in instruments work, whether the mileage of 8,570 km is correct, can not be said with certainty due to the lack of documents on the history.

The Puma 1600 GT has an engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters, which produces 70 hp and is controlled by a 4-speed manual transmission. The vehicle has an unsynchronized 4-speed manual transmission. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 150 km/h, the consumption is moderate at 9 liters. The last service took place in August 2020, and no defects in the technology could be detected. The car is fully functional and the underbody of the Puma Targa is also in good condition.

In recent years, extensive improvements have been made to the vehicle. Ignition distributors, ignition coils and wiring were replaced and a new oil cooler was installed. The carburetors were cleaned and readjusted, in addition, the pipes for oil and gasoline were replaced. Major repairs are currently not pending. Due to the good care and repairs made, the vehicle is in good general condition and immediately ready for extended journeys. There is no entertainment jam, all wear parts still have sufficiently long service lives. The tyres were completely renewed in March 2021. A wheel alignment was carried out.

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