1979 Puma GTS

2dr Convertible

4-cyl. 1584cc/90hp 2x1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$14,400 CAD*

-17.2%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$5k$10k$15kOct 2024
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1964-1985 Puma GT/GTC/GTS stats
Highest sale
$90,587 CAD
Lowest sale
$2,619 CAD
Most recent sale
$11,207 CAD
Sales
85

Photos

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1978 Puma GT Coupe
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Model overview

Model description

The Puma sports car can trace its roots back to the Malzoni GT, an attractive front-wheel drive car that competed successfully in the Brazilian GT racing series. Named after company founder Genaro Malzoni, the car utilized three-cylinder, two-stroke DKW engines that were available from DKW’s Brazilian operations at the time, and the Malzoni GT typically wore the four rings of Auto Union on its nose. About 35 of these cars were built before it was restyled and renamed the Puma GT. These original Pumas retained the DKW drivetrain and layout, but when Volkswagen took over the DKW-Vemag facilities in 1967, Puma had to make a change.

The Puma GT retained an appearance similar to the Malzoni GT, but now used the air-cooled flat-four of the Karmann Ghia and rear-wheel drive. Throughout its production run, the Puma GT would continue to use parts from either the Karmann Ghia or the Brasilia. The car quickly became very popular in Brazil as well as South Africa, and thousands were built over the course of the 1960s and 1970s. In the early 1970s, a convertible version called the GTS was added. In 1980, this model was changed to the GTC.

By this time, Puma had grown to a point that allowed for serious export, including North America. Sold as a complete car in its home market of Brazil, the Pumas that made their way to the U.S. and Canada were mostly kits. They were already partially assembled, however, and all American owners had to do was install the engine, front suspension, transaxle, wheels and battery. Since Puma was in truth an established and legitimate sports car manufacturer, Pumas have a significantly higher quality of fit and finish than one normally associates with the multitude of 1970s VW-based kit cars.

The Puma’s good looks were one of its greatest strengths, and although later cars gained rear quarter windows in place of louvered panels and lost their covered headlights, they remained very pretty. With aesthetics that were part Porsche, part Alfa, part Ferrari and part Lotus, the fiberglass-bodied Brazilian sports car was very pleasing to look at.

Pumas are pleasing to drive as well, but because of the model’s past as a kit car in the States, few of them are exactly the same and originality hasn’t typically been a consideration for past owners. Speed parts for air-cooled Volkswagens are plentiful to say the least, and some Pumas have even had their 1500s or 1600s bored out for higher displacement. And it’s also because of this kit car past that Pumas can typically be had for kit car money. It can be hard to find these beautiful, unusual sports cars, but they are both plentiful and popular in Brazil and can be imported economically for those who are determined to do so.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1979 Puma GTS can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $7,450 USD for a 1979 Puma GTS in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1979 Puma GTS at auction over the last three years was $90,587 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1979 Puma GTS at auction over the last three years was $2,619 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 59 1979 Puma GTSs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1979 Puma GTS was $11,207 CAD on December 14, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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