Highlights

Benefitting from engine tweaks by GTi Engineering, this Golf is a step above the rest in performance and rarity
Beautifully maintained inside and out, this example wants for little and is a perfect 90’s throwback
Tastefully modified to enhance drivability and looks without affecting the classic looks

The Appeal

Chances are if you are looking for a golf GTi, you have owned one before, perhaps you bought one new? Perhaps you had one when they were plentiful and affordable as a fun daily driver? Regardless, there is absolutely no doubt in our minds that the experience has lived on with you, surpassing all other cars since and here you are, full circle, chasing that buzz you enjoyed years ago.

Built in an era where the hot hatch market was loaded with serious contenders and the modifying scene was strong, the Golf GTi stood proud, not because it was the fastest but primarily it was the superior build quality, road holding and big car feel.

This example, though, has been tweaked with a handful of magic by GTi Engineering, a VW approved performance specialist that from new took the 1.8 litre 16 valve engine to new heights with a 2.0 conversion juicy internals and fettled timing to bring it up to a spicy 170BHP, leagues above its rivals of the time.

Having seen some serious time and money put into the car in recent years, this Golf stands as a fine example of the marque, retaining many original features, new paintwork and a sublime interior.

This is a car you will not forget in a hurry!

The History and Paperwork

Fitted with a 2.0 litre engine by GTi engineering from new, marked in the service book by the dealer. This was a 3,350gbp option and was performed on the 1st March 1990 and taken delivery by the first owner on the 29th
The previous keeper did a vast majority of the work which is all well documented in a large folder of receipts
Full body, glass out respray in Atlas Grey in mid 2019
The original service book remains, littered with service stamps up to 2010, many of which were performed by GTi engineering

Service history from 2003-10 can be followed with a detailed set of paperwork from John Bros N/Wales

Having only seen a handful of owners in its life, this Golf has had a well documented past and the keepers have retained as many receipts and paperwork trails as possible both historic and new.

The previous keeper received the car with a folder full of paperwork and proceeded to produce yet another in the process of the car's overhaul/restoration over the course of three years of ownership. The vendor too has had their fair share in additions of new parts and work done too.

The Interior

Extremely tidy interior that boasts seats in exceptional condition and many original, unmodified features
Full set of VDO centre console-mounted gauges for battery voltage and coolant temperature
Original radio cassette has been kept along with the Fischer CD changer Wonderfully simple yet feeling solid and comfortable even in today's car market, the interior of this GTi has been carefully restored and refurbished with a combination of aftermarket and original materials.

The seats which as you can see are in incredible condition are in fact original seats, sourced from another, evidently low mileage car which show virtually no wear, no bolster damage or sag and bright vivid colours, truly astounding and a huge benefit toward the interior appeal. The headlining as is so very common with older Golfs has been replaced with a non-original fabric which has been done extremely well in a very textured, grey material that does add a premium feel to the interior over the usual vynil, colour matched very well with the seats.The black floor mats and carpets are in great nick with little wear on the mats or the upholstery, just some light staining on the passenger door car fabric that we noticed.

Front to rear the often delicate plastics are in fine fettle with no evidence of sun damage, cracks or misuse to note. The dashboard is really nice with no splitting or delamination and all the switchgear, knobs and sliders retain a good finish with no excessive wear. The standard steering wheel is in great order, along with the original ‘Golf Ball’ gear knob which was synonymous with these cars and the bright red, dash mounted 16V badge in pride of place on the glove box lid.

A look through the paperwork shows a conversion between the first owner Mr Long and the VW dealership stating a complaint about the unreliability of the electric windows which were then replaced by VW for manual options as the car is fitted with now which have recently been fitted with new regulators.

The whole interior of this GTi is a triumph with very little room for improvement. Although not entirely original, only to the discerning eye would this be obvious and we think for the car's age, it would be a tough one to beat!

The Exterior

Repainted in 2019 with a full window-out job, the exterior is excellent and retains a great shine and flake from the Atlas Grey
Non original 16’’ wheels are made in true GTi fashion and have a better fitment than original, filling the arches well on the lowered stance

Virtually unmodified aesthetically with all the original badges, trims and fixtures Short of the GTi inspired wheels and the twin up-turned exhaust, the exterior of this fabulous hot hatch is totally unmodified as many have been subjected to over the years. The bodywork is wonderfully straight thanks to its recent overhaul, all the plastic over arches, sill covers and bumpers are well fitted retaining a great dark colour and very little marks or blemishes.

We noted a slight defect on a body line above the fuel filler, evidently a repair during the repaint process, and some very minor marks and fading on some of the plastic bumpers around the car but absolutely nothing of note, virtually unnoticeable from a few feet away. The original wheels can be purchased with the car which are the Aerotech GTi engineering option and have been refurbished and shod in Toyo tyres which might appeal to some due to the originality though the B-Star RA wheels look excellent and do complement the look of the car very well and have been kept in almost flawless order.

Headlamps and tail lights are all very good, with nice clear lenses and no signs of cracks that we saw. The main beam lamps have the usual fogging within the glass and while operational, would benefit from a refresh to compliment the otherwise excellent exterior of this unbelievably 33 year old car.

The Mechanics

A very special, custom ordered 2.0litre engine from GTi Engineering that pushes out an additional 31BHP over standard. This comprised of:
- Steel crankshaft of 92.8mm stroke,
- Cylinder block specially machined with 82.5mm bore
- Lead-Indium heavy duty crankshaft bearings
- Alloy pistons with valve clearance cut-outs
- Gas Flowed cylinder head
- Re-profiled inlet and exhaust valve throats
- Gas Flowed inlet and exhaust manifold
- Selected valve springs
- Modified injection system

Fully overhauled gearbox that eliminates the common 1st-2nd synchromesh issue
Fast road, KW V2 fully adjustable coilover suspension

We don’t doubt this car drives absolutely superb going by the list of work and parts this car has been gifted over the recent years.

On the suspension side of things, the car has been equipped with world class suspension units in the form of KW V2 numbers which will not only be extremely reliable but will improve the ride and handling immensely.

The previous keeper is reported to have given the brakes a full overhaul too, as well as new front wishbones, and track rod ends which will keep things tight up front. Also underneath the car had new outer sills, inner and outer rear arches, rear valance, fuel filler panel/rear quarter and a pair of rust free, genuine front arches. There is no doubt then that this car is very sound underneath, preserving the car for years to come.

In the engine bay things look fairly standard, the DOHC 16V being painted blue on the inlet manifold and the GTi Engineering plate mounted on the front valance being the only giveaway of the special engine with no modifications of any form and everything has been presented very clean and orderly.

Other things to note are the replacement of:

Goodridge braided fuel lines
New injectors
New HT leads
New distributor cap
Overhauled heater box/matrix
New old stock sunroof seal
Timing & Auxiliary belt at 154,000 miles

Summary

With many Golf GTi’s being subject to the scrappage scheme that us classic car lovers loathe so much, we are pleased to see cars like this one being subject to extensive preservation and the time and care to retain, what is one of the most iconic hot hatches ever made. Benefitting from an extremely rare engine conversion that will surprise many in performance, subtle performance upgrades that suit the car very well and an incredibly well maintained interior, there will be few that live up to the credentials of this example.

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