1982 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (MK1) GTI

KEY FACTS

• A true icon of its time, this VW Golf GTI is a sought-after and very well-presented example of one of the first true hot hatches.
• Under the bonnet sits a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 108bhp and powering the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
• The engine received a comprehensive and fully documented rebuild in 2015.
• Celebrated as the archetypal hot hatch, this example has been sympathetically restored with the intention of returning the car to its original factory specification.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Setting the template for modern hot hatches, the original Golf GTI combined a more powerful engine with a deeper front spoiler, black plastic wheel arch extensions, a black frame around the rear windscreen, red pinstriping, and the iconic ‘golf ball’ dimpled gear knob, creating a family car with a defined sporting edge.
• The car’s features include a period-correct Blaupunkt radio connected to Alpine speakers and a Scorpion SA-30 alarm connected to the central locking system.
• The engine was fully rebuilt in 2015 at 125,241 miles using OE parts, aside from a stainless exhaust manifold and K&N air filter element. New pistons and rings were fitted, as well as main and big end bearings and shells, new valves and guides, all new gaskets, nuts, bolts and clips.
• Further restoration has included replacing or rebuilding the alternator, water hoses, heater matrix, speedometer and accelerator cables, fuel accumulator and fuel tank level sender, front suspension top mounts, Sachs gas strut inserts at the front and Sachs gas dampers at the rear. Finally, the seats were refurbished, retaining as much of the original material as possible.
• The front brake discs have been updated with high-quality Brembo replacements and OE Textar brake pads, and the rear brake drums have been fully rebuilt using new parts.
• The original instruction manual is included in the sale, as well as significant paperwork of over 70 invoices documenting work undertaken since 2014, and two keys with alarm remotes.

CONDITION

• The car has no known bodywork damage.
• The Mars Red paintwork is in excellent condition following a full respray in 2014. Only two minor blemishes near the front edge of the bonnet are noted by the vendor.
• The cloth interior is also in very good condition after being sympathetically restored using factory-specification materials, with only a very small hole visible on the front passenger seat bolster.
• There are no known faults, mechanical or electrical.
• The most recent MOT test was in November 2020 at 128,614 miles, when the car passed first time and with no recorded advisories.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The car was most recently serviced in Spring 2021 by the owner, who replaced the cam belt along with the fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, engine oil, heater matrix, fuel accumulator, front brake discs and pads, fuel tank sender and top strut mounts. Replacement shock absorbers/dampers have also been fitted all round.
• Prior to this, the car was serviced in February 2016 at 125,241 miles by BMS Auto Services, following the engine rebuild.
• The owner believes that the car was in long-term storage prior to its restoration.

SUMMARY

Lauded as the genesis point for the modern-day hot hatch, this well-presented example of the coveted VW Golf Mk1 GTI has been carefully and sensitively restored in line with the original specification. Presenting in excellent condition, this Golf GTI offers an exciting opportunity for collectors and keen drivers alike.

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. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.