I bought a '81 Rabbit Convertible for the engine(IT) or maybe to fix and drive.

The car has a low-mileage, original engine, but it has apparently had chronic ignition problems. Lots of paperwork with the car shows that twice the fuse box was replaced and four times the ignition switch assembly was replaced.
I have been told that there is a problem with a certain relay in the cowl area of the car. It appears that the shade tree mechanics where I bought the car have tried to jump the relay.

The car turns over but doesn't seem to fire.

Is this a problem typical of this model? Any thoughts or suggestions?
I apologize for the possible non-IT subject matter.