Here’s an unusual coupe that’ll likely get plenty of attention at car shows, and one you probably won’t have any competition for while displaying. Puma was the vision of a Brazilian immigrant named Rino Malzoni, who was born in Italy and produced a few sporty cars during his career before passing away in 1979. The following year, a couple of new Puma entries emerged, both featuring restyling of an earlier Puma creation known as the Spider. These included the GTI and the GTC, the latter of which was a convertible. This 1981 Puma GTI here on eBay is said to be drivable as-is, with no immediate maintenance required, although a few minor cosmetic blemishes are noted. It’s located in San Jose, California, and can be purchased for $17,500. Curvette, thanks for another great tip here!
Manufactured in São Paulo, apparently just 610 examples of the GTI were ever made, and I couldn’t find a number for how many are known to still be in driving condition today. These cars have fiberglass bodies, so there’s no need to worry about rust on the exterior panels, and the seller describes the condition outside as good to very good. Although some buyers might prefer the ragtop model, this one includes a factory sunroof, making it more user-friendly year-round rather than just in summer. Though it’s not quite perfect, the finish looks good enough that I’d probably just enjoy driving this Puma for a while before considering applying a fresh coat of paint.
Inside, the condition is also rated by the seller as good to very good, which seems like a reasonable evaluation. This one features power windows, leather seats, and an AM/FM Cassette Stereo. One of the things I noticed in some of the photos is that the steering wheel isn’t positioned entirely centered with the driver’s bucket- it’s a bit to the right, so that might take a little getting used to. However, the three pedals are certainly a welcome sight.
The GTI was built on a Volkswagen chassis and featured an air-cooled 1600CC engine, but this one has been upgraded to a larger 1835CC unit, which the owner reports has given it a significant power boost. The transmission is a 4-speed manual, and I’m guessing this one is probably a decent performer. With the low production number and sleek styling, there are likely some eager buyers who’d love to get their hands on this one. However, the seller may have to consider lowering his price a bit before this 1981 Puma GTI changes hands, and it’s probably a good choice that he provided the make-offer option. Any thoughts or observations to share here?
These are becoming quite popular here!! Nice sleek lines!!
This car would make a great bar trivia question: what car came with power windows and a VW flat four?
Cool, but a bit high on price, CA legal is a big plus.
I liked it from the moment I saw it but my first thought was it built on a VW chassis and engine? Yup. Too bad, I had never seen one before and this is one nice example.
My ‘74 Beetle is on the original engine it came with when we bought it in 1991. Been sitting 20 years (AZ Desert). I guarantee I could clean out the carb, adjust the valves and get it started right up. When treated right air cooled motors are awesome! It’s on my bucket list to get it back on the road.
Have never heard of these. VW chassis and engine. So it has more in common with a Bradley GT than a true sports car. Nice lines, but I’ll pass.
Those seats look like vinyl? How many different tire manufacturers are on this? Can’t lie…I want it!
Not a bad looking car. I see a 911ish front and a 280ZXish rear.
Yes, I was going to say parts are 911, parts are Z car (or Triumph GT6), and parts are various Ferraris. Usually that doesn’t work, but in this case, I think it comes together pretty well.
“…thoughts…”
I like this but SP1 – 3 better.
Never paint any vehicle (boat, plane, bike, car, truck…
Yellow
I test drove this one. Mostly complete, which is nice. Needs some tinkering to make it a daily. My opinions only, your mileage may vary.
Volkswagen of Brazil produced the SP-1 and SP-2, similar cars with a fiberglass body over a VW chassis. A friend who owns one (also yellow) told me there are only eight in the U.S.
The VW SP2 had a metal body.
Very cool cars, awesome styling… Saw one a few years back at an import meet in nj. Had my e30 vert with a factory hardtop there.. Was an interesting south American Chevy sedan with a six cylinder engine too. would love to have a puma…
Came across one of these for sale a bunch of years ago… It had been “in storage” and off the road awhile, and needed TLC. However, it ran and drove (somewhat) which gave me a chance to sample it a little. A bit kit-car-ish but well done. I seriously considered pulling the trigger, but ultimately didn’t because I thought the owner wanted too much for what it was… in the condition it was in. I didn’t think it was a great car, but it was extremely unique (here in the US)… one of only 2 or 3 Pumas I’ve actually seen in the flesh… could have been a ton of fun. But alas… GLWA…
We had quite a few of them in South Africa. I think someone took a mold off a Brazilian import and made the bodies here and the VW Beetle was one of SA’s most popular cars so their floor pan became the base for the Puma body.
Yes, the Puma was also manufactured in South Africa. Production there ended about 10 years ago, while in Brazil it ceased in the 1990s.