1982 Puma GTS For Sale
Now here is something that we don't see very often here at Oldbug.
A Brazilian built 1982 Puma sports car.
Puma was a Brazilian car manufacturer that built cars from 1966 until roughly 1995.
High import tariffs effectively closed Brazil during much of this period to foreign built cars.
Puma initially sourced engines from DKW to put in their own bodies, but when Volkswagen bought DKW in 1967
the supply chain stopped and Puma designed an all new car around the Brazilian built Karmann Ghia model.
In 1973 when the Karmann Ghia production stopped, Puma adapted to the locally built VW Brasilia platform.
The convertible version of the VW based Puma was introduced in 1970 and
proved to be one of the most successful for the brand.
While Puma was primarily a Brazil based brand, a secondary factory was opened for a short time in South Africa.
Export of the Puma car was in limited numbers to the US and Europe and as regulations became tighter
for cars here in the states it became increasingly difficult to do.
In later years there are stories of cars being shipped as "parts" without engines and such, so that they could avoid
the DOT regulations for a complete vehicle. While these cars are sometimes referred to as "kit cars", they really
are far removed from that genre as they were factory assembled cars of very high quality, not something tacked together by a backyard mechanic.
This example is a 1982 model that has just over 30k original miles on it and is very original and unrestored.
This rare example is one of approx 450 produced in 1982 based on my quick Google session.
I imagine it is probably one of less than 100 here in the United States.
The car remains all original and untouched and in quite nice condition throughout.
The most notable spot of wear being the drivers seat which the leather is a bit dry and cracking.
The rest of the interior looks fantastic though.
Steering wheel looks wonderful as does the dash.
The convertible top is in very good condition with only a bit of yellowing to the clear plastic rear window.
Very good shape!
Out back there is a bit of a surprise! The Puma's lightweight body makes even the factory 1600cc engine
feel extremely sporting, but this car, that was reportedly once owned by the CB Performance main man Rick Tomlinson.
It appears that Rick built a hot little puffer for the back of the Puma with dual Dellorto carbs and all the trimmings.
Not only was the performance increased significantly, air conditioning was installed!
While the system is in need of a charge at the moment, everything seems functional.
Battery mounted in the back.
A/C in a convertible?
Cool!
(well...sorta cool...it works but does not blow cold)
The car has spent some time sitting and it would be wise to give it a bit of a tune and fresh fluids.
It seems a little hard starting when cold and it stumbles just a bit, but it is still running on old fuel
and really has not been on the road for a good long drive in quite some time.
Hydraulic lifters are a big bonus, no need to adjust.
Puma hood badge
Body tag under the front hood.
Super clean and untouched in here with the original trim panel still in place.
The spare wheel and tire looks to have never been out of the car!
Very clean and well preserved.
Nice fitting top boot for when the top is down.
37,000 original miles on the car since new.
The under dash A/C unit is very cleanly fit.
All the original Puma logo gauges are in place.
Wood shift knob and E brake handle
Excellent tires on the amazing original Puma aluminum wheels
A very good looking little car.
German "PUMA 9" plate gets people guessing and with the design being so European...most folks
would think it came direct from Der Fatherland or maybe even Italy.
Cute clean and fun.
This car is dreaming of a new loving home as its most recent owner has gone to the highways above.
He was a fanatical collector and enthusiast and treated his machines well.
The car has been sitting for a short time and needs a good running out and change of fluids perhaps.
Definitely a car that deserves to be on the road, not hiding in a garage.
SOLD!
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net