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VW MK1 GOLF GTI

Mileage: 73600 Top Speed: 113 Year: 1981 0 - 60: 8.7 MOT Expiry: April 2010 BHP: 108 Tax Expiry: n/a Transmission: 5 Speed Manual Exterior Colour: Black Engine Capacity: 1588cc Interior Colour: Black and Silver Engine Configuration: Inline 4

VW MK1 GOLF GTI | £Sold

Mileage: 73600

Model History

The launch of the Golf GTI in 1975 is what most regard as the birth of the hot hatchback (even though the Renault 5 gordini hit the roads a few months earlier - the respective fans can fight that one out) Weighing in at only 820kgs and coupled to a 110bhp fuel injected engine and a lively hatchback chassis the Golf was not only quick and sporty but practical too. This made it an instant hit with the young middle class and the combination created a brand new sector in the market, resulting in other marques trying to muscle in on the success of the hatch back ‘Car' magazine at the time called the ‘Wolfsburg's Go-Go' golf.

Volkswagen were not confident that its seventies ‘people' car the golf would be accepted in sports guise so decided discretion was the best course of action so opted for smooth, clean fuel injection rather than a great big dirty turbo and lag. Engineers started with the 1588cc Audi 80GT engine with revised combustion chambers, bigger valves and a larger intake and exhaust manifold all tuned and run by Bosch K-jetronic fuel injection. 3 small discrete letters were added to the front and rear and the GTI went into production. To Volkswagens surprise they sold by the transporter load!

It wasn't until 1979 that the UK received a right hand drive version and by 1984 the hot hatch was a well established genre with the market bustling with competitors in the form of the XR3i, MG metros and Maestros, the Gordini sprouted a turbo, Vauxhall Astra GTE and the Lancia Delta turbo. The Golf Mk1 gained a 1781cc engine up from the original 1588cc to keep pace with the late arrivals but it had already established a reputation as the original and dominant player in the market - one that has developed today into legendry status.

 

Equipment

Due to the very low mileage the interior has stood the test of time very well and everything still works as it should. It still has its original parcel shelf and signature golf ball gear knob. The red trim around the dash matches the front grill trim nicely and reminds you you're getting into a special car. The interior light needed wiring up and we fitted a working radio. We replaced the rubber pedal covers to add the final finishing touches to what was a pretty comprehensive refurb.

Exterior

This GTI is in amazing condition - in 2008 it underwent a full restoration. It was stripped to a bare shell with any corrosion repaired with replacement panels. The body was then re-sprayed including the engine bay and interior sections in the factory VW Black paint. When reassembling the car any plastic trim parts or rubber seals that were not in perfect condition where replaced with new items.

The original VW key still operates all the locks and ignition. Since taking the car into stock we have replaced the front head lights with new items as one was slightly dull and had the car professionally detailed giving the paint a deep glossy shine.

Interior

The car has only covered 73k over the last 30 years and has been well looked after. It fires into life on the first turn of the key from cold and then settles done to a smooth idle after revving above 1000rpm during the warm up phase. The car has recently had an oil service and new centre and rear exhaust system.

The 5 speed gear box goes through the gears smoothly with no crunching or stiffness. Being the last of the 1.6s this GTI really benefits from the 5th gear making motorway cruising much more comfortable. The clutch is nice and light with the biting point about half way up the pedal range.

 

Engine & Transmission

All five alloy wheels have just been professionally refurbished and have the correct Dunlop tyres on all corners with plenty of tread. The brakes work well and pull the car up in a straight line with no problems.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

History File

This GTI has an extensive service history starting from the original bill of sale where the car was sold for £5219.16 in 1981 by Smithfield VW Garage Limited. The car has only had 2 previous owners, the first keeping the car for 26 years. The mileage verified from the 13 MOT certificates and other dealer service receipts in the service history. It still has its original Smithfield VW number plates fitted when new and the original instruction manual is with the history