Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 17th March 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 18th March 2026
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1991 Volkswagen Golf GTi
No Reserve
Registration No: H698 UGK
Chassis No: WVWZZZ1GZMW324812
MOT: February 2027
Desirable 'Big Bumper' variant with power steering
Twenty-six service stamps (main dealer up to 2003) to corroborate the 106, 000 recorded miles
Cylinder head overhaul (2022), new timing belt (2024) and fresh starter motor (2026)
A highly original example with an extensive history file (including the original book pack)
Launched at the September 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the rest of the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 range, the GTi variant improved upon its predecessor’s aerodynamics (0. 34cd vs 0. 42cd), torsional rigidity and brakes. Penned in-house by Herbert Schafer, the newcomer was longer, wider and more accommodating than before but still tipped the scales at a mere 1, 020kg or so (unthinkable for a modern supermini). Powered by a fuel-injected 1781cc OHC four-cylinder engine allied to five-speed manual transmission, the GTi Mk2 was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 8. 3 seconds and 120mph. Great fun to drive and capable of cocking its inside rear wheel during hard cornering, the standard 8-valve model was joined by a 16-valve derivative from September 1986 onwards (the latter proving quicker but only when extended thanks to its peakier torque curve). Available in three- and five-door guises, the Golf evolved from Typ 19 to Typ 1G in August 1989 gaining 'Big Bumpers', full length sill covers and the improved 'Central Electric II' system. A part of 1980s’ pop culture, the iconic ‘hot hatch’ not only starred alongside Paula Hamilton in the David Bailey-directed TV advertisement ‘Changes’ which featured the memorable line ‘If only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen’ but also became a target for thieves looking to imitate the Beastie Boys’ Mike D. who wore a VW badge necklace in the video for the group’s hit ‘(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)’. Although Volkswagen sold some 80, 307 Golf GTi Mk2 hatchbacks in the UK between 1984 and 1992, less than ten percent are still registered with the DVLA.
Finished in Royal Blue Metallic with Grey / Black / Red cloth upholstery, chassis 1GZMW324812 was supplied new via V. A. G. Lonsdale Garages Ltd of Barnes on 28th March 1991. Retained by its first owner for five years, the Volkswagen relocated to Notting Hill and remained in London until 2006. Warranted to have covered a modest 106, 000 miles (an average of c. 3, 000 per annum), the Golf’s accompanying service book contains twenty-six stamps. Treated to new power steering and alternator belts during 2022, that year also saw the GTi benefit from a cylinder head overhaul (skim, replacement gasket, new bolts). A new timing belt kit was purchased in October 2024 and a replacement starter motor installed this February. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, ‘H698 UGK’ possess a fresh MOT certificate valid until February 2027. Seemingly never allowed to deteriorate to the point of needing restoration, this sought after ‘Big Bumper’ GTi retains numerous original features not to mention its bookpack and extensive maintenance history.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
