Volkswagen Amarok W580 build number one to be auctioned for charity

Volkswagen Australia has held back the first example of the Amarok W580 'Walkinshaw' performance ute to sell at auction later this month to raise money – and awareness – for a leading mental health charity.

The first example of the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok W580 – with serial number 0001 – will go under the hammer in an online auction from 23 to 28 November 2021. 

To enter, click here. All participants must pay a refundable $100 deposit to join the auction.

“All proceeds of the first Volkswagen Amarok V6 W580S auction will go directly to the Black Dog Institute to help with its work in providing support, research and discussion around mental health,” said a media statement from VW Australia.

Volkswagen Australia says the 2021 VW Amarok W580 has exceeded sales expectations and the range has now been streamlined to include only the flagship W580S model – in part to make way for an off-road W580X version next year.

Drive understands the VW Amarok W580 is being produced at the former HSV facility at a higher rate than the Holden Special Vehicles Colorado Sports Cat.

While some detractors are disappointed the VW Amarok W580 doesn’t get a power boost (it was uneconomical to undergo an engine upgrade program this late in the vehicle’s model cycle), it remains the fastest and most powerful diesel ute in the dual-cab market.

Rather than finding extra power, engineers increased the Amarok’s level of grip and road-holding with new wheels, tyres and suspension – in addition to subtle styling changes.

The VW Amarok’s class-leading four-wheel-disc brakes are yet to be upgraded, but Drive understands a high-performance option remains on Volkswagen’s wish list.

The first example of the 2021 VW Amarok W580 built – serial number #0001 – was completed in April 2021 and held back for a special occasion.

“We always knew we wanted to do something special with the our Amarok V6 W-Series number one, and this is definitely it,” Ryan Davies, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, said in a media statement.

“In what has been an extremely challenging year for all of us, we’re proud to be partnering with the Black Dog Institute and in some small way contribute to their excellent, and much need work.”

A spokesperson for the Black Dog Institute said in a media statement: “We’re very grateful to Volkswagen Group Australia for undertaking this very special auction to raise funds for mental health research. The funds will go towards continuing our research to help more people seek mental health support where needed and in providing immediate support tools for those who have identified they need help.”