Beskrivning
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Series 1 ‘Short Tail Light’
Registration: DKU709V
Date of Registration: 13. 11. 1979
What is a ‘Short Tail Light’ Mk1 GTI? (Skip if you know!)
Although available to European buyers in left-hand drive form from 1976, right-hand drive models were not produced until 1979, just prior to the arrival of the facelifted versions in 1980.
The 1980 facelift introduced several changes, including elongated tail lights, a redesigned dashboard featuring square (as opposed to round) instruments, and a plastic-covered, four-spoke steering wheel with four buttons. This replaced the earlier and arguably more attractive three-spoke aluminium wheel found in pre-facelift vehicles.
A significant number of Mk1 GTIs were either involved in accidents or succumbed to corrosion—particularly the earlier, pre-facelift models. As the RHD early cars were available for only a few months before the facelift, they have now become exceedingly rare and highly sought after.
Overview
This Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Series 1 "Short Tail Light" was purchased new from Gilders Volkswagen Hillsborough on 13th November 1979. Finished in Mars Red with a Black Cloth GTI Pattern interior, it was specified with rare dealer-fitted Smiths Industries Electroglide electric windows and sunroof, optional alloy wheels, and the original 3-spoke steering wheel with Wolfsburg emblem, correct for this very early model.
Two owners from new, the first for 40 years, the second for 6—it has covered a remarkably low mileage of 53, 783 from new. In 2019, the GTI was sold in excellent condition with only minor paint imperfections. The second owner undertook a full respray and light recommissioning, including new cooling components and a complete service, before storing it as part of a collection.
Recently acquired, the car has now undergone a comprehensive recommissioning with us, details of which are below. This GTI now presents as a superbly sorted and original example of Volkswagen’s legendary hot hatch, still wearing its original dealer-fitted number plates and retaining its matching locks.
Mechanicals
The mechanical running gear is now to fully recommissioned status, this included a full service, cambelt replacement, new Bosch alternator and battery, new front Bilstein shock absorbers and bump stops, a cooling system flush, new brakes, a reconditioned fuel system, and a new Bosch accumulator amongst many other minor works and repairs. Many parts were sourced directly from VW Classic in Wolfsburg. Minor adjustments and tweaks were made over a total 250 miles of shakedown driving.
All systems function as intended, including the rare Smiths Industries Electroglide electric windows and sunroof. The original toolkit and spare wheel remain with the vehicle and are in excellent condition. Around 250 miles of recent use has ensured the car performs flawlessly.
Exterior
The Mars Red paintwork, professionally resprayed by the second owner, is in superb condition and free from blemishes. The optional alloy wheels are wrapped in matching Pirelli Cinturato P4 tyres. All external trim, badges, and fittings are complete, well-aligned, and free from corrosion. The dealer-fitted sunroof operates smoothly, and the car retains its clean, original appearance. The same goes for the underside, wheel arches, door shuts, boot shut, inside and outside of panel.
Interior
The factory upholstery remains in excellent condition, with no notable signs of wear, tears, or fading, again reflective of the car’s low mileage and careful ownership. The original 3-spoke steering wheel with correct Wolfsburg emblem is pristine, and all interior trim and carpets are clean and damage free.
All equipment, including the rare Smiths Industries electric windows, sunroof, and dashboard controls, work exactly as intended. The car comes with two original sets of keys and matching locks, adding to its authenticity and completeness.
History and Paperwork
The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history folder, including:
· Original Volkswagen wallet with stamped service book, brochure, owner’s handbook.
· Current V5C Registration Document showing 1 Previous Owner.
· Previous Blue V5 showing original owner and 0 previous keepers.
· Current MOT Certificate (Although exempt)
· A large folder of invoices for servicing and repairs
· Relating to the recent recommissioning in 2025
Conclusion
With low mileage, just two owners and a hard to repeat condition. This Mars Red Golf GTI Mk1 Series 1 ‘Short Tail Light’ is an outstanding example of Volkswagen’s most iconic hot hatch. It remains fully original and in superb condition, coupled with major recent parts and labour investment.
Accompanied by its original toolkit, spare wheel, both sets of keys, original owners wallet, brochure, manual, and service book, 250 miles of shakedown adjustments completed, this is a genuinely rare opportunity to acquire a fully sorted low-mileage, low-owner, early Series 1 GTI in excellent condition.
