1978 VW Brasilia

$12,000.00

About the car

About the Vehicle

1978 Volkswagen Brasília For Sale | Custom Build | Air-Cooled 1600cc with EFI & Power Steering

This 1978 Volkswagen Brasília is a bold and stylish tribute to Brazil’s iconic air-cooled era — now fully customized with modern enhancements while retaining its vintage charm. Originally produced exclusively in Brazil, the Brasília was a versatile and beloved family car, and this example takes that legacy to a whole new level with unique styling, thoughtful upgrades, and show-quality execution.

Context of Creation

Launched in 1973, the Volkswagen Brasília was Brazil’s answer to a more modern Beetle. Sharing the same robust 1600cc air-cooled engine and rear-wheel drive setup, it offered more interior space and a hatchback design. The car quickly became a favorite for its simplicity and durability.

Today, well-built and customized Brasílias like this one have gained cult status among collectors and VW enthusiasts, especially outside of Brazil.

Design and Features

This 1978 Brasília has been fully reimagined with a high-end custom finish, while maintaining its air-cooled DNA:

Exterior: Painted in the iconic and eye-catching VW Yellow, this car stands out with personality and confidence.
Custom Wheels: Fitted with period-correct, highly sought-after wheels that are popular among classic VW builds.
Lighting: Equipped with front fog lights and smoked rear taillights, enhancing its sporty appearance.

Inside, the transformation continues with craftsmanship and attention to detail:

Seats: One-of-a-kind racing-style bucket seats, upholstered in black leather with yellow plaid fabric in the center — perfectly matching the car’s exterior.
Rear Seats: Custom-built to follow the same style as the front, creating a completely cohesive look.
Door Panels: Finished in the same plaid pattern for a unified interior design.
Dashboard: All gauges have been replaced with modern instrumentation, offering better visibility and precision.
Steering Wheel: Swapped for a more modern VW wheel from the 1980s/90s for improved grip and a retro-modern flair.
Shifter: Upgraded with a quick-shift EMPI shifter, allowing for faster and more engaging gear changes.

Mechanics and Performance

The mechanical setup has been smartly updated for better drivability without losing the soul of the air-cooled VW:

Engine:
- 1600cc air-cooled VW engine
- Single carburetor body
- Upgraded to electronic fuel injection for smoother power delivery and better efficiency
- Electronic ignition improves reliability and performance
Transmission:
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- EMPI short-throw shifter for a sportier feel
Steering:
- Electric power steering added for easier handling and comfort — especially around town or during longer drives

Current Condition

Exterior: Beautifully painted in vibrant yellow, with only minimal signs of wear. Chrome and trim are in excellent shape, and the custom wheels and smoked lights add the perfect visual upgrades.
Interior: Completely custom, show-ready interior with no expense spared — clean, well-finished, and one of a kind.
Mechanics: Starts and runs beautifully, with all upgrades performing as intended. Recent service performed to ensure smooth operation.
Electronics: All gauges, power steering, and EFI system functioning properly.

Fun Facts About the Brasília

The Volkswagen Brasília was never sold in the U.S., making it an exotic air-cooled collectible outside of Latin America.
Its name comes from Brazil’s capital city — and its design was created by Brazilian engineers to suit local needs.
Despite its boxy look, it shares much of the Beetle’s platform and simplicity, making it easy to maintain.
It became a cultural icon in Brazil, loved for its practicality, affordability, and VW reliability.
Custom builds like this one are rare and desirable, especially with tasteful upgrades that enhance its usability without compromising its vintage soul.