1989 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (MK2) GTI 16V

This 1989 Volkswagen Golf Mk2 GTI is an iconic hot hatch, presented in the smart Helios Blue hue and with arguably the most desirable three-door specification. Under the bonnet sits the 1.8-litre 16-valve engine producing around 137bhp and 124lb-ft of torque, coupled with an engaging five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 78,676 miles from new.

First registered in August 1989, this Mk2 Golf has three previous keepers on the log book, and was acquired by its current keeper four years ago. In December 2009, the car was damaged but repairable, being categorised as a Category D insurance loss.

Today, there is no obvious evidence of the prior repair, other than the fact that it has certainly been resprayed in Helios Blue in the past. The condition is described by the vendor as fair, with a number of minor blemishes noted. There are some scuffs, scratches and small dents on the roof, while both corners of the front bumper trim are also damaged. The top of the nearside door presents with a small dent, as does the door panel itself, along with the offside rear quarter panel. Some small scratches are visible on the boot lid above a small scuff to the rear bumper.

The vendor has also reported some minor corrosion below the nearside taillight and the offside door sill, though notes the underside of the car remains rust-free. These minor imperfections could certainly be rectified to get the car back into very smart condition, though ultimately it is entirely usable as-is. It rides on 14-inch wheels, which despite the odd minor blemish, remain in good condition.

Moving inside, the black, grey and blue fabric upholstery presents well, with just some minor wear to the bolsters. However, it is believed to be entirely original. The vendor has also reported some minor damage to the winding sunroof handle and some loose material on the sun visor, though the dashboard and original ‘golf ball’ gear knob remain in good order. An inoperative coolant temperature gauge has been reported, along with a sunroof which only opens halfway, and some very slight play in the steering column at low speed. The vendor reports this is due to a bearing in the top of the steering column which requires replacing. A very occasional misfire has also been noted, though this has reportedly only occurred twice throughout the last 20 or 30 engine starts.

The last service was undertaken in March 2020 at 78,665 miles, where Maxwell Auto Services changed the engine oil, filters and spark plugs. During the same workshop visit, the head gasket has also been replaced as a precaution, along with the complete top end gasket and seal kit. The car has also received a new timing belt and water pump, a new fuel pump, new oil cooler and a new exhaust for the rear half section.

The most recent Northern Ireland MOT test on file is from April 2016 at 78,486 miles. The last test in mainland UK was on 9 July 2009 at 76,739 miles, but as the car is now in Northern Ireland, any tests between then and 2016 do not show up on the online MOT history website. The car has been under a SORN during his ownership, so he is not aware of the date of the last test. The wheels come wrapped with a set of Avon tyres all round.

This VW Golf Mk2 GTI 16v is an unmodified example of the breed, benefitting from dry storage and very limited recent use. Described by the owner as an honestly presented car, this GTI would be ideally suited to an enthusiast owner willing to invest in rectifying the vehicle’s minor imperfections and bringing this renowned hot hatch back to superb condition.

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 through HPI checks and MOT history where available. 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 theft, and has no finance owing. As mentioned above, this car was the subject of a Category D insurance loss in 2009.