Asking Price: $11,500
Location: Anaheim, California
Mileage: 148,000
Title Status: Salvage
VIN: 3VWFA81H5TM113449
Seller’s Description: Rare Rescue! 1996 VW Golf Harlequin #131/200 – CA Street Legal & Ready for the Finish Line!
*The Story: A Piece of History, Saved from the Scrap Yard
This isn’t just a car; it’s a survivor. Neglected for years and nearly lost forever, this Harlequin was identified by seeing the original paint peeking through in a salvage yard app. I personally rescued it from the Anaheim, CA Pick Your Part yard after verifying its VIN against the registry. Following months of tireless restoration to meet the DMV’s toughest standards, this piece of VW history is officially back from the dead! It is now registered, titled, and driving beautifully—waiting for the right enthusiast to take it that final step back to factory glory!
*Vital Stats & Provenance
Identity: VIN 3VWFA81H5TM113449 (Registry Verified #131/200)
Base Color: Tornado Red
Drivetrain: 5-speed Manual Transmission
Production Date: June 9, 1996
Delivery Date: December 31, 1996
Original Dealer: VW South Charlotte, NC
Legality: Salvaged California Title (Due to being sold to a scrap yard)
Mileage: 147,571 (inconsistency)
Documentation: Carfax and copy of original window sticker included
*The Heavy Lifting: Restoration & Mechanical Gains
Engine & Fuel: Replaced fuel tank, fuel pump, valve cover gasket, timing belt, heater core.
Exhaust & Emissions: Replaced factory exhaust, catalytic converter, O2 sensors, and down pipe.
Drivetrain & Handling: Rebuilt shifter, short shifter, motor mounts, coilovers, LCA bushings, wheel alignment.
Brakes & Wheels: Replaced front rotors & pads, rear drums & wheel cylinders, 15″x7″ Konig Rewind wheels.
Body: Replaced front fenders, hood, rear bumper, and hatch, rekeyed locks with new keys.
Electrical: Repaired wiring & central locks, new battery and ignition switch
Cooling: New heater core, thermostat, hoses, repaired blowerbox blend doors.
Fluids: All fluids replaced.
*Current Status: Turn-Key & CA Road Ready
This Harlequin isn’t just a project; it’s a reliable driver. Mechanically and electrically sound, it has already conquered the hurdles that keep most salvage rescues off the road:
CA Safety Inspection: PASSED (Aug 3, 2026)
CA Smog Certification: PASSED (Aug 3, 2026)
*The Finishing Touches: Your Opportunity
The hard work is done, and the foundation is rock solid—literally zero rust on this California car. Here is what’s left to transform this daily driver into a show-stopper:
Replacement of doors and front bumper repair/replacement.
Sourcing a grille and original Harlequin interior (I have some leads to share).
A/C recharge, final body work, and paint.
