Highlights
- 1981 Volkswagen Golf CL with three-speed automatic transmission
- Highly original example, still retaining its manufacturer's bonnet stickers
- 36,970 kilometres showing on the odometer
- Said to have been recommissioned with new brakes, tyres, battery and fuel pump
The Appeal
The Mk1 Golf is one of the most significant cars of the 20th century. Giorgetto Giugiaro's razor-sharp design and Volkswagen's meticulous engineering created a template that the entire hatchback segment would follow, and finding a genuinely original, well-preserved example today is no easy feat. The CL trim offered a step up from the base model, and fitted here with the three-speed automatic transmission, this is a relaxed and usable classic, a combination that is increasingly hard to come by, as so many everyday Golfs were simply used up and scrapped.
This 1981 example was purchased new in Germany and remained with its first owner until it was brought to the UK in 1987. It has reportedly been garaged throughout its life and inherited by the current keeper in 2017. Said to have been recommissioned, the car was used briefly during 2025 and the vendor informs us that it ran faultlessly. The bodywork remains original, still wearing its factory bonnet stickers. For those seeking an honest, unmolested Mk1 Golf with strong provenance and a clear history, this is a compelling opportunity.
History and Paperwork
- Originally registered in Germany in 1981
- Imported to the UK in 1987 and now registered on UK plates
- First owner had the vehicle from new whilst living in Germany
- Inherited by the current keeper following the previous owner's passing in 2017
- Very limited mileage covered since arriving in the UK
- 36,970 kilometres showing on the odometer
- Recent recommissioning work reportedly includes new Cam belt, fuel lines replaced in engine bay, full oil and filter service - on brakes was new discs, drums pads and ancillary seals and proportion valve. Water pump, coolant pipe and wheels bearings
- MOT-exempt
- V5C, spare wheel and Haynes repair manual included
The Condition
- Inari Silver paintwork, 13-inch wheels
- Beige vinyl interior with patterned fabric seat panels and black dashboard
- Clarion cassette-stereo fitted
- Original bodywork with some very minor surface rust in a few places and some paint fade
- All original manufacturer's bonnet stickers still present
- Interior is original except for the parcel board shelf on one side, which is from a Mk1 Golf with a black interior, making one side black instead of brown
- The vendor describes the interior condition as very good
The Mechanics
- 1,439cc four-cylinder petrol engine
- Three-speed automatic transmission
- Used briefly during 2025 and reportedly ran faultlessly
- The vendor describes the mechanical condition as very good
- The vendor describes it as very good to drive, with a feeling of simplicity and genuine originality
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