1992 VW Golf GTI – Project Profile

The original Volkswagen Golf GTI was a game changer when it was unveiled in 1975. An instant hit and one of the progenitors of the hot hatch movement it remains one of the greatest to ever fight that particular fight. It’s a car that is instantly recognisable and one that has gone down in the annals of history as a true great, with original examples now fetching big money. It’s a perennial classic who’s popularity will never wane. So popular was it, in fact, that Volkswagen decided to bring out a second incarnation in 1984.

The Mk II Golf GTI was larger than its predecessor and featured some design updates, as well as a new four-cylinder engine, but despite a hike in power the Mk II was heavier and so initial acceleration figures remained pretty similar between the two cars. The essence of what made the original GTI so good however was retained, while positively moving the marque in a forward direction. It was still an affordable performance hatchback and one that the car buying public were still very much receptive to.

What is it? 

This isn’t your ordinary Mk II, however. This particular late model 1992 VW Golf GTI has been breathed on by VW and Audi tuners GTI Engineering. GTI Engineering was founded in 1978 by Richard Lloyd who was racing his own Golf GTI at the time as well as running VW’s racing programme. Focussing on VWs and Audis GTI Engineering offered race-bred parts and conversions for normal road-going examples, including engine re-bores and braking and suspension upgrades, among myriad other improvements. And that’s what we have here, as this particular Mk II Golf GTI features a 2.0-litre, 16 valve engine built by GTI Engineering.

Why is it a project? 

The car hasn’t been used since 2011 and has been sitting outside ever since. This period of inactivity seems to have manifested itself in the form of some electrical issues and a small repair that is required on the driver’s floor pan. There are no specific details offered with the advert with regards to the electrics however, just that some have ‘stopped working’. Apparently the car does start and run, which is good news, although the seller states – n block capitals we might add – “YOU WILL NOT BE DRIVING THIS HOME”. A project it is then.

Five things to look for:

1) Electrics

Let’s start with what we know, and that’s that there are some electrical issues to address. Grab a decent multimeter and check everything you can to ascertain exactly what needs to be fixed or replaced. Is it a few isolated gremlins or does the car require a while new wiring loom?

2) Rust
We also know that the driver’s floor needs to be repaired and it needs a new battery tray but if the car has indeed been sitting outside in the weather for over ten years then it’s probably safe to assume that there are going to be other areas of corrosion to deal with. Get underneath and have a poke about to see if everything is solid. The car was repainted in 2008 and has had its wheels refurbished which is a good indicator that it has potentially had some care and attention lavished upon it in the past.

3) Engine

Again, we know the car starts and runs, if we are to believe the seller (and there’s no reason not to we hasten to add) and that’s a good thing because it’s much easier to assess the condition of a motor that is actually running but it’s going to need a full check over and service at the very least. On top of that have a look for any evidence of head gasket issues or any smoking and/or untoward noises. It’s all well and good having the GTI Engineering engine fitted but there’s it’s all moot if it’s a lemon.

4) Suspension and Steering
The suspension is standard which means it probably hasn’t been fettled with. Nevertheless, due to the car’s inactivity and storage location seals and bushes could have perished and metal parts may have rusted so try and get in amongst it to investigate. Have a look at the steering components too. This particular model is fitted with power steering so there are additional things that can fail over a standard, manual car so check that everything is working as it should.

5) Paperwork
The seller states that he knows of the car’s history from new and that it was originally a UK car that was re-registered in Ireland and so will return to its original ‘J’ registration if brought back into the UK. That’s all well and good but check if there is the paperwork to back this up. Any history on a car like this is important so make sure to have a proper look through any documentation. It’s also pertinent to determine if it’s a genuine GTI Engineering car or one that has merely had an engine swap.

What should you do with it? 

The 2.0 16-valve is the engine to have as far as performance is concerned and so job one would be to ascertain its condition and whether or not its a goer. The seller does state that it was an 85,000 miler with full service history which does sound promising. After a full mechanical service and electrical system overhaul then it’s just the driver’s floor to repair, if the rust is contained that is, and then you should have a very tidy car on your hands. Mk 2 Golf GTIs are slowly but steadily rising in value and if this is indeed a GTI Engineering car then there’s the rarity factor to take into account to. If everything checks out then this is definitely worth a punt.