Callaway is best known for building some seriously powerful Corvettes, but the American tuning company has worked its magic on other vehicles over the years. Just yesterday, we covered a one-off turbocharged Mercedes-Benz 190E developed with Callaway’s involvement, which sold for $31,750 after an extensive restoration.
Now, there’s another opportunity to own an unusual Callaway creation, this time based on a 1985 Volkswagen GTI. The second-generation hot hatch features a period turbocharger conversion, giving it more punching power than Volkswagen originally intended.
Currently listed on Bring a Trailer, the car combines its Callaway hardware with a BBS body kit, three-piece wheels, and upgraded suspension. Its bright Mars Red paintwork completes a look that wouldn’t seem out of place at an enthusiast gathering in the late 1980s.
The GTI is being offered without reserve as part of the Tons of Gas Auto Collection in North Carolina. That means it will sell to the highest bidder regardless of the final price.
Callaway Gave The GTI A Turbocharged Boost
Under the hood sits Volkswagen’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, upgraded with a period Callaway Turbo conversion. According to Car and Driver, the setup was capable of producing approximately 150 horsepower with 10 psi of boost.
The conversion incorporated an intercooler fed through a hood scoop, along with modifications intended to accommodate the additional boost pressure. Power reaches the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
A custom exhaust system with a Dynomax muffler completes the mechanical upgrades, although the auction listing doesn’t provide a verified horsepower figure for this particular car.
BBS Styling And Upgraded Suspension
The GTI features a period BBS body kit, flush headlights, and three-piece 15-inch BBS RS wheels wrapped in Toyo tires. Coilover suspension gives the hatchback a lowered stance, while power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes handle stopping duties.
Inside, patterned cloth sport seats retain the car’s unmistakable 1980s character. A Lecarra steering wheel, BBS shift knob, and Callaway VDO boost gauge provide additional period touches. Air conditioning and a sunroof are also fitted, although the aftermarket stereo is inoperative.
Low Mileage And Recent Maintenance
The odometer shows approximately 35,000 miles, with the current owner adding only around 200 miles since purchasing the car in 2018. The exterior was repainted in 2026.
Maintenance has included timing-belt work, ignition components, and extensive fuel-system repairs. A Callaway Turbo certificate and service records accompany the vehicle, while its Carfax report lists no reported accidents or damage.
At the time of the listing, bidding had reached $12,500, with the no-reserve auction scheduled to conclude on October 14. For enthusiasts interested in Callaway’s lesser-known projects, this GTI represents an unusual surviving example of 1980s aftermarket tuning.