Highlights

Nicely standard late model 1.8litre GTI
Well maintained car with thick history file
2012 paint respray that has held up very well due to limited use
Long MOT to June 2024 with no advisories
Tax and MOT exempt from April 2024

The Appeal

There had been hot versions of everyday family cars before, so it is a surprise to learn that it took Volkswagen some time to get the original GTI right. But that time was well spent: when it arrived the Golf GTI became the answer to virtually any motoring question. Practical for the family, hugely entertaining for the driver and, being a Volkswagen, also very easy to live with.

The GTI virtually invented the ‘hot hatch’ category and the original is a bonafide motoring icon. Many were built but survivors, particularly factory standard cars like this one, are now rare finds.

This late model 1.8litre car sits smartly on its optional P-Slot alloys. Its long term owner has used it sparingly and taken care to keep it very standard, attending to maintenance requirements and various improvements as required. If you’re looking for a Mk1 GTI that you can use and enjoy - and, frankly, who wouldn’t be? - then this tasty example perfectly fits the bill.

The History and Paperwork

First UK registered on 3rd August 1983
Current owner since 22nd July 2010
MOT to 3rd June 2024 with no advisories and just 20 miles covered since
Has covered just 3,598 miles since 2012
DVLA rules mean this car can be registered for historic status in April 2024
As a historic vehicle it wil become tax, ULEZ and MOT exempt
Thick history file of old MOTs and receipts that we are told cover the car’s 40 year life
Original service book
Always garaged by the seller
2 keys
The owner tells us that his focus has been on keeping the car as original as possible

Investment by Seller:

Resprayed in 2012 with limited use since
Fuel filler replaced in 2010
Seam between rear and offside corner panel repaired in 2010 to rectify corrosion
Arch spats, badges and grill replaced by owner
Body lines powder coated
Grill trim repainted
Original wheels replaced with P-Slot alloys and new Pirelli tyres fitted

The Interior

Highly original interior right down to the period-correct Blaupunkt Hamburg stereo
It is a very evocative place to be, a reminder of how good these original cars look
The condition is very good, with few and only minor signs of the car’s age
Seats retrimmed since 2010 in factory correct Volkswagen GTI check trim
Seats in excellent condition with clean cloth and firm bolsters and bases
Rear seat area appears virtually unused with good trim, showing only small marks
New sound deadening fitted
Door cards original and well kept being undamaged
Standard door furniture except for the window winders which are aluminium
Original factory vinyl headlining is well kept with no visible marks
Dashboard is clean, unscuffed and showing no cracks
Switchgear is original with clear decals and no visible wear
Dials are clear, operational and with clear, unscratched perspex shroud
We are told that the radio/cassette works but would benefit from an aerial
Immobiliser fitted
Small chips visible on the painted inside edge of the passenger door
Original factory four spoke plastic rimmed steering wheel showing only light sheen
Iconic golf ball gear knob
Clean hatch load cover with twin supports that hold correctly
Clean boot area with good floor covering and only minor scuffs to inner arches
The radio reception could be improved with a new aerial
The hatch supports were replaced by the vendor and do hold the hatch up

The Exterior

Smart black paintwork professionally resprayed in 2012 with minimal use since
The car presents very well as a highly usable rather than concours example
The work has held up well, only a handful of small chips visible around the car
Sits well on its optional P-Slot alloy wheels with Pirelli tyres
Bumpers unfaded and straight and undamaged at front and back
We are told that there is a small scratch on the rear hatch
Solid boot floor with no corrosion visible
Non-matching factory alloy spare wheel
Solid underside and strut tops
No MOT advisories for structure
Lights are complete and undamaged with clear lenses
Glasswork in similar condition with no visible misting to edges
All the glass has been etched with the reg number of the car prior to current ownership

The Mechanics

1,760cc 4cyl fuel injected engine developing 110bhp
We are told that the engine is original to the car
5spd gearbox
Larger exhaust back box fitted but otherwise car is standard
Regularly serviced by the seller throughout his ownership
Radiator, brake pipes and shoes and brake master cylinder all replaced during his tenure
The seller reports no issues with the engine,
He says that it runs and holds temperature as it should
Always garaged since 2010
There is a stainless steal ‘Jetex’ exhaust connected from the manifold to the back box.

Summary

Few cars can claim to be game-changers but the original Golf GTI is certainly one of them. Capable and classless, it was the practical family saloon that had it all. It is a formula that Volkswagen has wisely never seen fit to change.

This late model Mk1 shows why. It is pleasingly standard, its black paintwork showing off the crisp Giugiaro lines. Clearly cared for it looks ready to deliver some original GTI dazzle to its new owner.

Notice to bidders

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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