Have you ever wondered what would happen if Volkswagen decided to produce a pinnacle luxury car? Typically known for mass-market motoring, even the name Volks Wagen means people's car in German. Well, the brand had a luxury car foray in the early 2000s when it was under the stewardship of Dr. Ferdinand Piech. However, the Phaeton never really sold in numbers. For example, this 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is one of approximately 1,400 from the 2004 model year sold in the United States. Up for sale with a reported 39,000 original miles, this car is a quirky and unconventional daily driver for those who dare to be different. And yes, it has a V8 under the hood.

Exterior and Interior

Wearing a lovely suit of dark blue, this 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton clearly looks the business, with its silver seven-spoke alloy wheels and daytime running lights. The Volkswagen VW motif adorns the front grille, and the car includes chrome trim and inlays outside as well as inside. There's also a set of dual exhaust pipes at the rear, enabling some V8 soundtrack to emanate, but as you'd expect from a luxury car, it's suitably muted. When you open the door, the beige cabin is unmistakably Volkswagen, albeit with a very high specification. You've got power-adjustable front and rear seats, plus four-zone climate control. Furthermore, this car has what's known as a draft-less climate control system, where discrete vents puff air around the cabin rather than directly at occupants. However, you can still avail yourself of the regular air vents within the dashboard if desired. This, the classy analog clock in the center console, and the premium sound system are all luxury car hallmarks. Another one is the power tilt-and-slide sunroof that this car offers. Looking at the instrument cluster, you'll notice that it's suitably jazzed up for luxury duties and includes a 200mph speedometer. Then, you'll notice the impressive rear legroom that rivals many long-wheelbase luxury cars from Germany and elsewhere. Meanwhile, there's a roomy trunk for cargo, highlighting this car's capabilities as a long-distance cruiser for families.

Engine

This 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is powered by a 4.2L V8 that can develop an impressive 330hp and 317lb-ft. Power is sent to all four wheels through an automatic gearbox, enabling a sub-7 second zero to sixty time. North American models are speed-limited to 130mph, but the true top speed exceeds 155mph.