1990 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (MK2) GTI 16V

This 1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16v is a solid and largely original example of the ‘small bumper’ MK2. Powered by a free-revving 1.8-litre 16-valve engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission, this example has covered a recorded 152,172 miles.

First registered on 4 January 1990, this Golf GTI was purchased by the vendor just over a year ago, during which time they have maintained the vehicle and spent a significant amount of time improving the car. During their ownership, the car has had attention to the brakes, suspension, chassis and gearbox, among other items.

The Atlas Grey paintwork is in good shape for its age, though the vendor notes that both sides of the vehicle appear to have been resprayed during its lifetime. The usual smattering of stone chips to the front end is present, along with other imperfections around areas such as the rear badges, roof and lower doors. While the rubber trims are generally in good condition, the roof gutter trims would benefit from being replaced, and the plastic impact bumpers and trim are slightly faded and scuffed. It rides on an original set of 14-inch ‘bottle top’ alloys, which would benefit from refurbishment in due course.

Inside, the interior is believed to be mostly original and is in great condition for its age. There is minor visible wear to the front seats, plus some small pulls and small hole in the passenger seat cushion, but in general the upholstery is well preserved. The headliner is a replacement item, while the door cards are again believed to be original and are in fair order. There are also a few nicks and chips in the dashboard covering. There are no known faults with any of the switchgear, and no warning lights on the dashboard. A Pioneer radio cassette head unit is installed, which looks period-correct.

During their ownership, the vendor – the proprietor of a VW specialist in the South West – has gone through this GTI back-to-front, ensuring any work that was required underneath was carried out. The chassis has been welded where necessary, two new lower control arms have been fitted, new ball joints, brake hoses and rear calipers have also been fitted, in addition to new anti-roll bar links, brake pipes and number plate lamps. An oil leak from the gearbox has also been attended to.

The most recent service took place during November 2020 at 152,124 miles. This work consisted of a full service with oil and fluid changes, along with a new cam belt. Prior to this, the vehicle was serviced in September 2009, which included a spark plug and fluid change, and it had another cam belt change service in June 2007.

The latest MOT test took place on 3 November 2020, and resulted in a pass with no advisories, after initially failing on 20 October, with all advisories – relating to the brakes, some bulbs, and an oil leak – having been rectified between tests. Included with the vehicle is the Volkswagen service book, dealership manuals, a stack of invoices and receipts, and the complete VW tool kit.

Thanks to their impressive capacity for tuning, it is increasingly rare to find a VW Golf GTI Mk2 that hasn’t been modified by previous owners. This 1990 example appears to be largely original, and benefits from a fastidious owner and recent advisory-free MOT certificate. With a little cosmetic ‘TLC’, this Atlas Grey GTI could be brought up to a superb standard; and as such it represents a compelling opportunity for a keen hands-on enthusiast.

Summary of service history:

• 13-12-1990, mileage: 10,169 - first service
• 13-11-1991, mileage: 19,709 - full service
• 12-01-1993, mileage: 27,972 - interim service
• 02-12-1993, mileage: 34,891 - full service
• 08-02-1995, mileage: 41,432 interim service
• 11-09-1995, mileage: 49,789 - full service
• 30-08-1995, mileage: 52,000 - full service plus brake fluid
• 12-11-1996, mileage: 58,172 - interim service
• 14-08-1997, mileage: 62,788 - interim service
• 26-08-1998, mileage: 67,092 - full service
• 02-09-1999, mileage: 76,529 - full service
• 08-09-2000, mileage: 84,259 - full service
• 20-12-2001, mileage: 94,371 - full service
• 11-09-2002, mileage: 99,342 - interim service
• 08-02-2005, mileage: 11,0762 - full service
• 14-06-2007, mileage: 118,511 - full service
• 24-09-2007, mileage: 119,459 - cam belt
• 09-09-2009, mileage: 123,769 - full service
• 03-11-2020, mileage: 152,124 - full service plus cam belt

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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.