Have you been looking for a “gentleman’s pickup” – the Chevy El Camino or Ford Ranchero – and haven’t had much luck in finding just the right one? How about this Ute (utility coupe), a 2000 VW Jetta that sports a conversion kit that they claim even novices can pull off. I’m not sure I would tackle such a project, but someone did after buying a kit from a well-known New England company. The changes on this one must have worked out fine as it has more than 200,000 miles. Located with a dealer in West Palm Beach, Florida, this interesting VW is available here on eBay for $7,990 (or Make Offer). Thanks, Dr Ron, for turning us on to this Jettamino!

As a compact car, the VW Jetta has been in production since 1979. It was positioned to serve as a sedan/wagon above the Golf hatchback and has seen seven separate generations. Total assemblies number more than 15 million making it the best-selling VW after the famous Beetle. Now enter Smyth Performance Conversions (aka Smyth Kit Cars) of Tiverton, Rhode Island. They specialize in making kit conversions for all sorts of vehicles, with the Jetta kit being their most popular.

Smyth claims these conversions, for which the kit runs around $4,000, can be done in a few weekends, even by amateurs (?). Once you’ve secured your donor car, the vehicle is cut past the trunk, and the rear doors and seats are removed (adding up to three cuts). They claim no welding is involved. The structural aluminum reinforcement panels are then bolted on, and the truck bed is assembled. The wiring goes untouched, the fuel tank stays in the same place, and no monkeying is needed with the suspension. How simple can it be?! All the parts and pieces you’ll need to finish it off are provided, just paint or wrap and you’re ready to roll (sounds too easy).

We suspect this conversion took place a few years ago as the silver part of the paint is looking a bit spotty in places. The silver is flanked by orange and the Jetta wears half of its black interior. We’re told it runs great although the odometer stands at 217,000 miles, not bad for a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with FWD and an automatic transmission (how boring). It has recently been serviced, so we assume it’s turnkey and ready to impress at Cars & Coffee. When the car was first listed, the asking price was $1,000 higher, so the right buyer has yet to come along.