1991 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16v

Highlights


  • Excellent runner, mechanically sound
  • Major engine services up to date
  • Great condition original interior

The Appeal


the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 was released in 1983 (1984 in the UK) and is the second generation of the highly popular and successful Mk1. The Mk2 was remarkably larger than its predecessor, with a 75mm wider wheelbase and notably longer overall length, width, and height. These dimensional changes however, did keep with the original design concept and retained the overall form of the Mk1, just with a few more rounded edges. These changes proved to be highly successful design updates, as over the 10-year production run, Volkswagen sold a reported 6.3 million Mk2s.

This example is presented in a complimentary black colour scheme with red badging and grille accent, alluding to its sportier GTI 16v model designation. With a 1.8L 137hp powerplant in a light and rigid frame, this hatchback has been described by its owner as an “absolute go-kart.” Mostly original, this GTI is a bit of a “well-running project” and is just begging to be taken on as a mild restoration with a bit of exterior TLC; but can just as easily be driven as-is and enjoyed by a new owner. 

The History and Paperwork


  • V5c present and current
  • MOT valid until 10th April 2024
  • Receipts present for most recent work performed:
    • New offside front bottom suspension arm and roll bar link, coolant flush totalling £422.47 in Feb 2020
    • New nearside front roll bar link & steering rack gaiters totalling £178.42 in Nov 2020
    • New water pump totalling £149.30 in Dec 2020
    • Second-hand ECU fitted totalling £505.54 in Feb 2021
    • New front and rear shock absorbers in 2018
    • New cylinder head, head gasket, and timing belt with camshaft chain totalling £1,580.00 in July 2020
    • New battery fitted in January 2023
  • Modifications include: 
    • Gravity Performance full stainless steel exhaust manifold
    • Gravity Performance full stainless steel catback exhaust system
    • Alpine SPH-DA360DAB stereo fitted, Apple Carplay and Android Auto equipped
    • Lowered by previous owner, unknown brand
    • Non-genuine “BBS style” wheels (not 2-piece)
  • Unfortunately, not much history is known before 2018

The Interior


  • Interior is in good overall condition, with very little wear and signs of use present; would benefit greatly from a deep clean valet
  • Owner states electronics working as they should, with the exception of the below:
    • Central locking isn’t functioning, but doors can still be locked from the key holes and pull pins manually
    • Engine temperature gauge does not function on dash, and warning lamp flashes to say it’s not sensing temperature; but the owner states the vehicle does not overheat whatsoever, gauge itself is the only issue
    • Rear windscreen defrosting element does not function
  • Front seats in great condition, with the exception of one small, amateur hole repair in the driver’s seat from previous owner, see photo
  • Passenger front seat shows some small marks on seat bottom
  • Rear seats in like-new condition
  • Carpets in overall good condition for the age, could benefit from deep clean
  • Some corrosion spotted in interior sills, see photos
  • Dashboard in great shape, with no cracking seen
  • Gauges and buttons in great visual condition, and owner states all functioning correctly except where noted above
  • Steering wheel in great condition with no signs of sun damage or marks
  • Headlining in clean condition but some sagging apparent; sunroof shows some fabric separating in the corner as pictured
  • Sunroof mechanics in excellent condition, operation is smooth and effortless
  • Boot in heavily used condition with marks on the carpet sides and back of rear seat; mild surface corrosion in spare wheel well; spare tire not present

The Exterior 


  • Overall straight but well used exterior, would benefit greatly from body work and repaint
  • Trim and bumpers in poor condition, with many marks and areas of bubbling, paint chips, and imperfections when up close
  • Paintwork could use a respray, as there are many imperfections, bubbling, and swirl marks visible throughout
  • Overall straight body, but some areas of rust visible notably around rear arches, underneath taillights, and below windscreen
  • Area of imperfections below fuel filler flap, some heavy marking present
  • Glass in usable condition with marks to be expected for the age, and some areas of scratching throughout
  • Rubbers and seals have been replaced in the past, some may need realigning
  • Hella headlight lenses in bright condition with only minor signs of sun fading
  • Rear Hella lights in very good condition with no signs of fading or fogging
  • Rear tires in good condition with plenty of tread, front tires show wear on the inside surfaces
  • Aftermarket wheels in usable condition, but show some curb rash, surface corrosion, and discolouration; not genuine BBS wheels
  • Underside in overall better than expected condition for the age, with corrosion present as pictured but not affecting structural elements

The Mechanics 


  • Engine bay is in above average condition for the age, only some small areas of surface corrosion seen in front corners
  • Maintenance up to date, owner states no known issues other than those mentioned on the most recent MOT:
    • Nearside front brake pipe corrosion 
    • Nearside rear wheel bearing shows some play
    • Power steering pipe shows some “slight seepage”
  • Owner states 1.8L 16v engine and transmission runs smoothly and has strong acceleration, exhaust system sounds excellent with no “drone”
  • Owner states the vehicle stops, starts, shifts, and handles as good or better than expected
  • Owner states suspension works as good or better than when new, lowering springs present
  • Underside rubbers, boots, and bushings in great shape, ready for more miles
  • No smoke or strange noises observed, engine sounds healthy and steady

Summary


Whether you have big plans to take this one on as a project car, or simply use it as an exciting daily driver as-is, this GTI is an excellent opportunity to get your hands on a sporty and economical piece of German engineering! With just a little TLC needed, you’ve got an excellent and mechanically sound machine just begging to be driven and enjoyed for years to come. 

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This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1991
  • Make Volkswagen
  • Model Golf
  • Colour Black
  • Odometer 149,998 Miles
  • Engine size 1781
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Sutton Coldfield
  • Location West Midlands
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
3 bids
  • flexy £3,100 31/05/23
  • mir-fri £3,000 26/05/23
  • vadzix2•••• £1,000 26/05/23

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