Two things remain when an unfinished project car gets sold: an unrealized dream and a pile of parts. While the dream may linger, the leftover hardware can generate funds to jumpstart the next build. That’s what happened eight years ago when Miguel and Linda Gonzalez were expecting a baby, and let go of their convertible project car.
Building a Family
The couple got married not long after Miguel followed Linda, immigrating from Mexico to California. Proceeds from the sale of their unfinished project car helped them get on solid financial footing after their daughter arrived.
Miguel said:
There were parts all over our apartment—in the living room, in the bathroom, in the kitchen. I needed to get rid of them somehow, so I thought, ‘Why not list them on eBay?’
It took six months to make their first sale, but then business began to flow. After two years of moonlighting in the auto-parts market, Miguel became a full-time seller. A second daughter soon followed.
A Worldwide Community
Specialization and customer service are keys for an eBay business to succeed. As you might expect from the name of their eBay shop, Wabbit76, Miguel and Linda focus on Volkswagen parts. They’re always on the lookout for Rabbits, Golfs, Jettas, and Corrados—and onboard parts that can be sold to needy owners. The couple travels far and wide to collect donor cars to cater to their broad base of VW enthusiast customers.
Work’s not work when it’s a labor of love.
Miguel said:
I’ve made connections with people who I now consider to be a part of my family. I have friends in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and Belgium. Most of all, I have friends in the US who I source parts from and talk with about their project cars.
The Gonzalez’s fledgling auto-parts empire started in their one-bedroom apartment. The inventory soon found its way into a garage, and then into a small warehouse. These days, Wabbit76 conducts business from a 2,600-square-foot warehouse. They now can roll complete vehicles into their workspace for evaluation, restoration, or parts supply.
California Dreamin’
As Wabbit76’s business grew over the years, the vision edged closer to fruition. Road trips to source parts have become a family tradition, with memories that will last lifetimes.
Linda said:
Our dream now is not only to drive up the Pacific Coast in a convertible but to bring a trailer and buy parts wherever we go—making friends along the way. From there, we’ll return home and sell the parts to enthusiasts or help them make their own dream cars.
The inventory is deep, from OEM alloy wheels to steering wheels, cylinder heads to instrument clusters, and every part imaginable in-between
Wabbit76’s constantly rotating stock of nearly 2,000 items provides a lifeline for classic VeeDubs. When one car retires from road use, its parts serve a growing global community of Volkswagen owners needing essential drivetrain, interior, and exterior restoration parts. By focusing on one brand, the Gonzalezes have built a base of loyal repeat customers for their thriving eBay business.
Shop Wabbit76's classic VW parts store
