1976 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (MK1) L

This 1976 Volkswagen Golf L is a highly original, early example of the ever-popular hatchback, presented in ‘time warp’ condition and with very low mileage from new. It is powered by a 1.1-litre inline-four, which drives the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays just 55,027km (34,192 miles).

First registered on 17 January 1976, this early left-hand drive Golf was sold new in Italy, and later found its way to Antibes, France, where it was issued the registration mark CS-661-RQ. In early 2015, it was purchased by the current owner – a VW specialist restorer – and was shipped to the UK in March the same year. It was officially re-registered with the DVLA in August 2015.

Since then, it has been fully serviced and sparingly driven on warm summer days, being well-maintained and tended to by the seller for nearly six years.

Identified by its unique rear swage line and smooth front bonnet edge, this desirable ‘swallowtail’ Golf’s bodywork is free of any accident damage, and the vendor states that the original spot welds are still visible on the rear wheel arches, indicating that they have never been repaired or replaced.

Prior to the vendor’s acquisition, but likely within the last ten years, the exterior of the car has been resprayed in its original Diamond Silver hue, with the factory-applied paint still visible under the bonnet and in the rear luggage area. There is one small rust spot on the leading edge of the passenger-side wing, which is commensurate with the car’s age, and the current owner has also repaired and refinished a small area beside the windscreen.

The vendor has also replaced chrome-effect window trims with genuine ‘new old stock’ aluminium items, as the originals had warped during the car’s time in the hot southern Europe sun. This Golf rides on the correct set of 13-inch steel wheels, which feature some minor blemishes but are in excellent overall condition, and are fitted with the correct VW-branded centre caps.

On stepping into the minimalist cabin you are transported back to the mid-1970s, with the black vinyl-covered seats, grey carpets and plastic trim all presenting particularly well. The cream headlining is also in great shape, and the seller has replaced the heater control knobs. While there is a light patina on some of the trim items and a small crack on the dashboard, these issues do not detract from the interior’s impressive overall condition.

This Golf is fitted with the correct period Blaupunkt radio, and all of the cabin’s buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should, with no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Offered in fine mechanical order, this classic Volkswagen’s last routine maintenance was carried out in February 2017 at an indicated 52,183km. This included replacement of the timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor arm. The engine oil and filter were also replaced, along with the air filter and brake light switch.

Prior to this, the car was serviced in September 2015, and during the seller’s ownership a number of perishable items have been replaced, including the tyres, steering rack boots, the battery, and the brake discs and pads, as well as the thermostat and fan switch.

This classic Golf’s last MOT test was conducted on 3 February 2021 at 55,027km, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. All four of the car’s tyres were replaced with new Falken Sincera items five years ago, and the seller states that each has around 5mm of tread remaining.

The car will be supplied with its original Italian service book (though there are no stamps), as well as the owner’s handbook and VW sales brochure, plus details of its last two services. Its import paperwork and the correct factory tool kit are also present.

This ‘swallowtail’ Mk1 Volkswagen Golf L is a beautifully preserved example of the enduring European hatchback, which is presented in time-warp condition and with only a few age-related blemishes to speak of. Original and unmodified, it is sure to appeal to any fan of classic VWs, and is ready to enjoy on the road immediately.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.