Will this Volkswagen Rabbit Run and Drive After Being Abandoned in the Woods for 30+ Years?!

[@cratecruncher6687]

I've watched a lot of "Willitt Run?" videos. Heck, KZbin is full of them. But I think that poor wabbit is THE most derelict car I've ever seen that not only started and ran, but actually yard drove! It was really fun to watch and I congratulate you for bringing this despicable, worthless piece of crap back from the grave! Also welcome aboard Elonna. You will learn a lot from these guys.

[@Ragnar8504]

That was the worst car I've ever seen move under its own power, by miles! I totally expected it to lose a few parts along the way, like doors! Or maybe crack in half right there on the driveway. The smoke does seem to suggest it might do with a new head gasket? Not that much of a hassle as the engine has to come out of the car anyway though.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Not worthless, a survivor!

[@cratecruncher6687]

@@grantkoeller8911 Well the drivetrain certainly is! Michael has an obvious respect for these little VDub diesels and I'm starting to understand why. Every old car mechanic has a favorite bulletproof, easy to maintain, cheap to run motor they hoard parts for. Mine is the SOHC Fiat 128. I call it my life hack.

[@shnilauzdicka]

​@@grantkoeller8911 YES! I´d keep it at least as a yard art, since its propably too far gone to be somehow put back together

[@grantkoeller8911]

Also you could make an open frame off road crawler , with this drive train. A type of dirt vehicle,

[@ukranaut]

Next video: Will this fossilized velociraptor get his heart beating after 66 million years under upper Earth's crust?

[@BudgetBuildz]

Bahahahaha 🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂

[@mattlawton4715]

@@BudgetBuildz as mad as it sounds I have seen worse condition cars restored good old golf /rabbit.

[@rolandocurro8842]

Matt Lawton · Good to now. Even though i think these are a unitized body construction. This rabbit woulda been a good Vise Grip Garage restoration project. I know personally. Woulda liked to have seen it cruising again.

[@lyndelbeckwith1706]

What a parina!

[@lyndelbeckwith1706]

@@mattlawton4715 patina! Got it to run. Good enough . Restore it? Shut up. You restore it.

[@IntegraDIY]

Weld a floor, mount the drivers seat, make the drivers side quarter panel not run the tire, new tires, new braking system, lexan windshield and it’ll be able to be a grocery getter lol

[@IntegraDIY]

Oh and ratchet strap the doors shut

[@engineprojects]

If it had an title i would fix it just because everyone said i couldnt

[@danmackintosh6325]

@@engineprojects like a reverse WhistlinDiesel haha I like it!

[@grantkoeller8911]

remove doors like a jeep

[@MrLarsgren]

@@grantkoeller8911 i think passenger door is all that keep it from doing a belly grind. just look what happened when he opened driver side door.

[@The_One_Over_There]

There's just something about an engine who kicks on for the first time in a years that feels so satisfying. Even when not doing it yourself, It's still a cool sight to see

[@karmelovcc5427]

The fact that the car sound like a brand new Golf is awesome for a car that has been sitting for 30 years.

[@Hellsong89]

Now try another way around.. take brand new car and put it sitting 30years on forest... its dead at that point.. with out rebuilding whole thing you wont get that engine running.

[@karmelovcc5427]

True.

[@ejej1187]

how can you be so sure

[@spazzman90]

'Do you feel this vehicle is safe for highway travel?' 'Yes. Yes I do.'

[@twoeightythreez]

I dont think this one has a melted speedometer

[@BadBullPc]

it's just unsafe for everyone that is behind you xD

[@goldtruck1270]

But the radio's as clear as a bell, don't ask me how in all this mess.

[@iainwestley]

Make a great ratter

[@cruzeman7437]

No be fun to see body bad shape frame might be good

[@ChristianHasselberg]

“She’s a going to town car...”

[@ralphhowes]

Ripped from VGG!

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

This is a Concourse d' Elegance car by Derek's standards!

[@VideoServicesVB]

LMAO, we are all the same.... Vgg

[@Chudhole]

Yeah Derek would probably like this car.

[@uzivatel56]

Moses sandals!

[@serpentza]

That was awesome!

[@ralphhowes]

Didn't know you were into motors. Thoroughly enjoy your China videos.

[@donnie2533]

Great video

[@MGR99]

Commented from the from channel lmao, shoulda done it from Worthless Whips :D

[@blulian]

Not surprised to see you'd watch something like this

[@Michael-vo2bs]

No Surprise !!! MK I Rabbits are made forever. Not the MK 7 or 8. Greetings from Germany

[@swiss86]

Volkswagen needs to buy it off you and put it in a museum. “Deutsches Engineurschaft, ha?”

[@andiklein4724]

Deutsche Ingenieurskunst, please

[@joakimgade]

At Auction: "Runs and drives. Has good patina. New timing belt"

[@1mawesomel1kethat]

I was looking for this comment lol

[@heavyballs8458]

Sold😂

[@T1971-w4c]

+ rare car.

[@celecraft4567]

roof already fixed

[@jmck6320]

scratches here and there...doesn't effect how it drives

[@kavinskysmith4094]

Honestly with how crazy this is, it seems like it deserves to be saved even if it just turns into a demo derby type car with a thrown in roll cage being the only thing holding it together

[@Karmy.]

Exactly

[@Not-Great-at-Gaming]

Great drivetrain if you found a straight car that needs an engine.

[@PapiDoesIt]

That's be cool in a Scirocco

[@MrManniG]

Those where the days when german quality ment something

[@andrewbrown8872]

The engine and transmission deserve to be put in something a bit nicer

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

Yeah

[@killerdinamo08]

That body is quite unique...

[@3LFL3DA]

Repair the car 😊

[@remasterus]

You could body swap with a donor car of similar year and make, or heck - put it in the Rabbit pickup truck that he has, that one was gas right? Suppose if you wanted to go full 'mad max' style you could do a frame-off Frankenstein's monster and just start cutting + welding metal from donor cars to replace the rusted frame and body parts, add a roll cage, welded front bumper, winch, oversize the exhaust, add a snorkel, lift kit, light rack on top, offroad tires and now you've got a diesel apocalypse buggy!

[@dorinbuhac4191]

@@killerdinamo08 la 8iii

[@homersturok]

It should not even be possible😂😍 German engineering. I got a tear in my eye when it fired up.

[@billyboy3161]

After my heart surgery last year, this video gives me joy! NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!

[@rich_edwards79]

Eh, I hear the mad max look is all the rage in these apocalyptic times. She'd make a good Wasteland car, that's for sure.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

Well, maybe add some wood planks for a floor first...

[@chinchy111]

Too loud the zombies and SJW will come running

[@pastedtomato]

You should keep it for display. kinda like the Toyota Hilux from Top Gear

[@goldtruck1270]

Now that poor thing.

[@Tripp426]

This put such a big smile on my face! What a neat little car. It didn't die, just took a long nap.

[@LaytonKnightt]

"What seems to be the problem, officer?"

[@BudgetBuildz]

😁😁

[@chinchy111]

I noticed your license plate bulb is out

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I knotice you're missing your license plate.

[@giltzexuh]

I noticed you're missin your rear bumper

[@derPetunientopf]

I noticed you lost the rear half of the car. Sir, could i see your motorcycle license please?

[@95Jester]

That coolant reservoir looks cleaner than on my daily! 😂 Old VolksWagens never die!

[@bikert]

Amazing to see this Rabbit (we call it a Golf in Europe) still runs, good engine. I assume it's the 1.5 Diesel

[@tombarker8408]

We play golf in A-me'-thi-ca. We also hunt rabbits. I'm lookin' fer a nice'un, now. I don't play much golf.

[@neilmurphy845]

@484 Why did they call it rabbit in the first do you know.

[@snowballthecat7542]

German engineering. No one knows why but somehow It doesn't die

[@milanjocic1272]

The most popular engine 1.6 on Balkan

[@Lambykin]

@@neilmurphy845 That's an easy question to answer. During that time period, North American manufacturers were naming their vehicles after animals (Cougar, Bobcat, Colt, Wildcat, and the list goes on). VW thought it would be best to name the car in the North American market after an animal as well. The Rabbit sold well here, but I'm of the opinion it would have sold just as well with it's original European name. It wasn't until the second generation Golf that the "Rabbit" name was dropped. The Golf II continued to sell well despite the name change.

[@rustychevy7035]

A testament to how well they were made

[@maverick4177]

“Mk1 Golfs never die...they just get lowered”

[@zachurystrawcutter2283]

Cringe

[@JunkVWs]

😂

[@maverick4177]

@@zachurystrawcutter2283 your momma

[@chinchy111]

They lower themselves just give it enough time

[@wohnwagenfutzi8533]

Thats damn true. My father has one. After 29 years it runs still better than our damn 2l TDI. Fucking electronical shit

[@Malaveldt]

This is beautiful. It's like a shitpost on wheels!

[@nichderjeniche]

It's a driving meme

[@1mawesomel1kethat]

Nothing beats a shitpost on wheels

[@imdjc4]

Love watching these kind of 'will it run' videos. It brings a sense of discovery to many of my own childhood dreams to life.

[@misterfeedback202]

It reminds me of John Candy and Steve Martin driving in Planes Trains & Automobiles!

[@BrokePremiere]

Hahah right! Ahh man I miss Candy. Great soul.

[@brianeighties4481]

Love that movie.

[@numberq1134]

Oh, we had a small fire last night, but we caught it in time, heh heh

[@michelveraliot]

Hahaha i miss Candy and yeah it remind me of that too it's awsome

[@michelveraliot]

@@numberq1134 and the radio is still working haha

[@JustinLaNoue]

She’ll live on in another cars body.

[@Toxic2T]

Just like what I did on my car

[@largejoseph7914]

Get yourself a rabbit or caddy shell to bring to life, the VW content is my favorite!

[@modelreviews3705]

It makes me really happy😊 seeing old cars been sat for years and they start for the 1st time and driving ❤️❤️

[@Larsgman]

You’re an absolute legend for getting that thing not only to fire up but to actually see it MOVING. Earned a subscribe from me. This is by far the most awe inspiring “will it run after x years” abandoned vehicle video I’ve seen yet and I’ve seen plenty. Would love to see a follow up video, body work and chassis fixed up so it wont blow up the tires. Please !!! Edit: finished watching the video now I’m depressed to learn the fate of this car :(

[@DjBud_VinD]

When they still made cars to last some and no electric crap that is preventing a start. lol Big Up!

[@sethadling3043]

“Runs and drives no issues has a dent from a branch and sat for a month”

[@mrjohnnyk]

"I won't take lower offers I know what I have"

[@e.s.l5861]

And in the Craigslist ad photo make sure the ground around it is soaking wet...... a guy had to give it a “shiny” look

[@BrokePremiere]

God I miss these cars I used to have a 84 cabriolet. So much fun! I was chomping at the bits waiting for this one to come out.

[@mancsblue]

Me too brother ,my second car was a MK1 GTi and still would stack up against modern cars ,they definitely built them to last ,just a shake this one was so far gone

[@thomasihle5305]

I still Drive a 84 Cabriolet. I bought it, when I was a young man and it s still at my side, running and driving perfectly with almost 500.000 kilometers with his first engine and transmission. Good old ingeneering work from good old times....

[@mancsblue]

@@thomasihle5305 nice !! I'm glad you have kept it all this time ,I still regret getting rid of mind and also a MK1 polo I had too ,maybe one day ,the right car will cross my path,you never know 🙂

[@BrokePremiere]

@@thomasihle5305 WHAT!!! That is awesome! Congratulations! I’m extremely jealous of you. Lol wow.

[@martincurtis6445]

Such a good video, I watched it twice! Amazing old diesel engines. I had a Peugeot 309 diesel for many years. That thing NEVER let me down.

[@wubwub4694]

This thing sits there for nearly 40 years, turns on and drives. A modern car would be like, "oh no, my left front light is only going with 80%, i cant drive anymore."

[@heribertmueller9613]

True, funny and sad.

[@n1r0l]

Get a govt surplus generator with an engine problem, add oversized radiator and muffler from the salvage yard, maybe a little trailer for it. That little diesel would sip gas while providing emergency power to your house or powering a cabin up in Pickens County or points north.

[@nicostenfors5690]

Theese don't hold up when doing heavy work, they will crack the head because of the coolant flow has a design flaw.

[@That_Handle]

@@nicostenfors5690 , If not mitigated by an aftermarket / re-engineered part(s) solution, specifically on what engine was the coolant flow mitigated for these diesels?

[@nicostenfors5690]

@@That_Handle Sorry, my english is not the best so i don't really understand your question but the cylinder head on 1.5 and 1.6 diesel engines are badly designed and it will develop hotspots. As far as i know some people have drilled the heads to allow better flow but drilling the head will also weaken it.

[@tomswindler64]

If that backhoe was that women’s, you should make a deal with her and get it running and use it.😎😎👍👍

[@PapiDoesIt]

I drove a VW diesel for 8 years. Great little engines!

[@YogsenForfoth]

Dude. This video deserves MILLIONS of views. That was absolutely incredible.

[@Military-Museum-LP]

My brother had a Mk1 that made 1 million miles plus. These little diesels are indestructible.

[@danielwilliams9625]

Great video! Amazing how solid those old VW engines were made.

[@tkskagen]

All you need is a Temporary Permit, and take it for a Beer Run in town! After pulling the Wheel Well Fender on the Rear Drivers Tire!

[@Kilen81]

Unkillable!! A true testament to the volkswagen engineers at the time!

[@richardnunez3474]

I used to have a 4dr light metallic rose colored 81 Rabbit Diesel back in the 1990s. That car and engine was tough as they come. Get memories about that car.

[@golfcart34]

I learned to drive on a 1982 Rabbit Diesel back in the late 1990's. This video brought back some fond memories of that. I also remember helping my dad adjust the timing on it as well. Good times!

[@DrivingSander1970]

A VW from an era when VW still made good qualtity cars...

[@fozi_tatoz5045]

They still do :)

[@ralphhowes]

Yeah! I was clapping at the screen when you got that MkI running, nice job!

[@BrokePremiere]

Right! I was bursting with excitement it drove!

[@croatiandigger]

How we say in Balkan "what first die on golf I or II, the owner"

[@andrewlisenby9693]

This '79 was an "L", with the padded knee bolsters, factory AC, and the automatic self adjusting seat belts. That engine deserves to have a new life in another car. Loved the video! I thought it would bring a tear, but only happy remembrances.

[@IrishWannabe]

There is something very special about starting up a 40 year old diesel and it actually works and sounds good, it made me smile widely when it started :D

[@aarona3606]

If these cars didn't rust they would be invincible

[@geigertron3000]

BEST "WILL IT RUN" VIDEO EVER!!!!!

[@danielardiii4408]

but what the hell did my eyes just see, the terminator rabbit

[@uzivatel56]

That's a zombie volkswagen right there.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

👌😂👍for real!

[@stefansjoblom2930]

Oh a rare example of a volkzombiewagen 🙂

[@johnapel2856]

Fantastic! We have had VW diesels since 1980. Love them! I have a pickup and an 84 beat up 4 door rabbit for parts and driving (sort of). Thanks.

[@RustyVaultDiscoveries]

You’ve turned barn finds into an art! Keep the adventure going. [15:59]

[@Edman_79]

I'm of the same age as this rabbit. And we look surprisingly alike :D I'm at the beginning of the video, no way in hell this will run. Let's see :D Edit: As would VGG said, I'll be dipped.

[@patrickmoodabe9728]

Aaahhhh back when Volkswagen actually made cars..... diesel rabbit is like a cockroach. Only things to survive a nuclear attack. Great fun🤙🤙🤙

[@1996Pred]

Old VWs were nearly indestructible. I had a 95' Golf 3 1.8 Gasoline and it was amazing car. My friend went to Sweden in this car and even in freezing temperatures (about - 20° and cooler) it started right away when never cars had trouble.

[@heribertmueller9613]

95? Old?

[@heribertmueller9613]

Golf 3 was a modern VW, only 1 and first serie of 2 count for old.

[@henrycollins2478]

eBay sellers be like “pristine condition, kept in a climate controlled garage”

[@ssenssel]

"No low ballers, I know what I have!"

[@henrycollins2478]

@@ssenssel ha, ha. Too true

[@jhonditch4269]

run and drive perfect.

[@chrisroyle4813]

"Desirable patina"

[@ChristianHasselberg]

“Engine is solid! Runs and drives. Some slight rust in the fenders. Increased headroom in the cockpit!”

[@KawiG5]

I have watched many different videos of “will it start and drive” and I will say this. This is by far the best one I have ever watched. Awesome work!

[@larrybrown1984]

Love it! I’d love to see the original owner with it arriving home for the 1st time from the dealer! Really is amazing how well it did considering how long it’s sat. I’d say I have many more years left in my ‘81 diesel pick-up!

[@EIRK2046Y]

Perfect technical condition suitable for high-speed highways. You must check ABS ASR and ESP !!! Emission norm 7

[@thatcarguy0710]

underrated channel

[@mitchellcrowe8545]

Shes a goin to town rig 😂...Derek would be proud!! Love it! As always great work Micheal and much love from Pickens buddy!

[@jcpad1797]

A guy would definitely be proud of a feller

[@husseinel-hajj7818]

She had like 7.82% chance of firing up.. III DOOONNNOOOOWWWW

[@rebeccamayers2056]

That's awesome. That motor has the desire to live A FULL LIFE. SAVE IT ALONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION

[@minarae9562]

I love it. That's a funny and exciting experience, the engine sounds so beautiful! My mom have a 1995 VW Senda 1.6 Diesel, is the same engine and works so great every day.

[@ocelot2234]

That’s restorable with some dedication

[@tombjornebark]

some dedication.....

[@acreativename7999]

And a new shell, the motor and some trim probably will be restorable though

[@Hellsong89]

@@tombjornebark Seen far worse cases being restored FYI. Ones that roof has collapsed, there is rust hole in the middle and tree is growing trough non existing floor past the hole in the roof, entirely covered in moss so you could not even realize its a car with out noticing still somewhat shining head light sticking out. Engine rusted shut and not much still existing from the undercarriage.... it was restored in a year off and on working on it. Take it apart, sandblast everything that still exists to be salvaged, order new body panels, drill the spotwelds out and start spot weld back all those panels. Sand blast again, prime, zink coat and top coat etc. You now have rolling chassy worth 4K€, put decent stock block that is used in racing and its 7-8K€, fully built its worth tens of thousands though in that point you start to blead money as well.

[@dieselgolfer]

That´s true. If you see, how many more rotten VW T1 Buses found back to life...

[@thisthingmint250]

Lot of quarter panel pulling will have to be done.

[@oldgeezer3269]

Great fun video Thanks for taking this on and sharing The motor sounds real sweet! i couldn't believe how clean that thermostat was after all them years sitting! Cya on the next one 👍👌👏✌

[@BrokePremiere]

Lol right! Blew my mind seeing that thing.

[@oldgeezer3269]

@@BrokePremiere Like you mentioned she must have been low mileage when it got wrecked

[@carguy4658]

Put a new floor in it and take it to a McDonald's Drive Through. Save the engine and Trans. Parts is parts!

[@BRGKasumi77Main]

IT'S ALIVE!!!!! 30+ Years Volkswagen Rabbit abandoned in the middle of the woods!! I can't believe it!! Thanks man for posting!

[@davebarron5939]

That motor and trans should be pulled and saved. Mite work great for an industrial job around the ole homestead. Brought back memories form the mid 80's. Same car, same color, (little better shape) a man I worked for drove it all the time and loved it. Great video.

[@leonm6969]

My car in gta after driving 1 mile:

[@cyrusthevrus]

Lmfao

[@renx3590]

My car in GTA after I got in while some fool drove by.

[@DeliciousHotShmoze]

* rolls into LSC * Mechanic: “What’s wrong with her now???”

[@MegaSockenschuss]

Lirik, is it you? :D

[@trosty91]

lol

[@madsstrmnss3909]

Of course it runs and drive! its from an era when VW actually made good cars and not the crap they spew out today.

[@morganfreeman5171]

I can't let you say what isn't true. Modern VW are extremely well build and engineered !

[@FilippmitF]

@@morganfreeman5171 That's why they spend more time being fixed than being driven 😂

[@morganfreeman5171]

@@FilippmitF Then tell us what is so bad with them.....?? I am a european mechanic and would buy a VW over most other car manufacturers in the world.

[@fil1329]

@@morganfreeman5171 the worst garbage unreliable on the road today Not to mention the worst rip off artist dealers.....theh make the cars so u have to take it to them

[@benruether8294]

If I lived in a neighborhood with HOA, that car would be my pride and joy and the rest of the neighborhood would just have to sit back and admire.

[@BudgetBuildz]

😁😁

[@vwecco1]

Finding that 1st between the Reverse and 3rd always great fun... with those worn out shifter bushings. Video brought my memories back. Thanks 👍👍

[@thomasgottschalk3413]

Top. Diese 1.6 Diesel sind nicht tot zu kriegen. 😎

[@BaronTrance]

that's German engineering for you. love this, man.

[@ianbooth6333]

One of the funniest things I have seen this year. Imagine your neighbours looking out of there window thinking wtf is that😂😂😂

[@Jamie_GTCS]

This belongs in a museum

[@RODALCO2007]

Excellent revival of that old Rabbit car and amazing that the gears still shifted with such a distorted chassis.

[@Sknurr]

Its gonna work forever. Its old german golf. Pure work mule.

[@vitoglazar3733]

Incredibly. Only golf 1 can do that. Legendary cars Will stay legendary cars. Giugiaro design!

[@Thedrifter1986]

Giorgetto giugiaro, quest auto dovrebbe essere nata in Fiat, poi credo abbia venduto il progetto alla volkswagen

[@GWAR1982]

You sir have accomplished what we all want to do but can’t because we are lazy!

[@BrokePremiere]

😂 right!

[@jonoffensend7519]

That was one of the more amazing starts, put in a windshield and drive it as is, attention getter!

[@distantcomets]

man... the first car I ever owned was an '82 rabbit. I bought it for $400 bucks at 180k miles, drove it for 2 years before selling it for $300 at 196k miles. This video just shows that they literally will run forever... well done!

[@lmlmd2714]

Gumtree: Lovely little town car. Runs great. Economical and reliable diesel. Has a few parking dings and one or two rusty spots.

[@maxeluy]

Is like driving in GTA with a car 1 hit far from fire.

[@razzymarcus8044]

It’s always a good sign when Rust flys everywhere when u start a car

[@speedpro8192]

Craigslist "minor rust and body damage"

[@aeoliankid1]

You should preserve this fine automobile just as it is, it makes a real avant-garde fashion statement!

[@ivanuremovic1199]

That's some old school German quality right there. Those cars were built to last. My father owned Golf MK2 1.6 diesel in the past, and that car just ran and ran, with little to no rust anywhere and it was 30 years old when we sold it.

[@bockmann7446]

You have earned a "thumbs up" really. This car is ready to hunt opels.

[@lokishangout4286]

Wouldn't mind having that little car.

[@christiann7320]

Honestly that would be an amazing rig probably ripping more necks on its way than a lambo

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

👌🤯👍wtf! That's insane! That motor is bullet proof! Needs a new home! Definetly! You should do a follow up on this one!

[@martentrudeau6948]

It's Rabbit gold, very well done, like you say it has a good drive train!

[@thomaskerns2655]

Looks like you got a new daily driver

[@steveminch7741]

She's a grocery getter for sure 😂🤣💯💯💯

[@ethink8680]

“Don’t low ball me... I know what I’ve got”

[@ridiculousness7477]

“I’d take it coast to coast “ 🤣🤣

[@henrymorin9744]

Probly the most unlikely to start n drive car ive seen on KZbin.. great job... love how the wife was filming n laughing that the car even moves....great video.. loved it..

[@jd3552]

I really like how you turn the motor by hand to see if the valves didn't hit the pistons when you put the new timing belt on. Pure genius.