Highlights

Sought-after 16v
Largely original small bumper GTI
Smart Tornado Red paintwork
Advisory-free MOT until February 2026

The Appeal

Few hot hatches capture the spirit of the 1980s quite like the Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V. By 1987, the GTI had evolved into a sharper, more focused driver’s car, with its lively 1.8-litre 16-valve engine and agile chassis making it the model every enthusiast wanted. Early small-bumper examples such as this are now particularly sought after for their classic styling and pure driving feel.

Finished in Tornado Red, this example presents well, with tidy paintwork and the odd blemish here and there. The front and rear bumpers would benefit from a light refresh, while the car sits on OEM 14-inch ‘Bottletop’ alloys fitted with 4 matching Pirelli tyres. A useful upgrade is said to have been made in the form of “an alloy fuel-pump housing”, addressing a known weak point in these cars.

Inside, the car keeps its period-correct look with OEM black-and-grey striped seats, factory switchgear, and a Pioneer radio with removable faceplate. Some age-related marks are visible on the dashboard and clock screen, but overall the interior remains tidy and true to the model’s character.

Under the bonnet, the 1781cc 16-valve four-cylinder engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. The car has reportedly been “retrofitted with power steering using appropriate components to make it more usable in everyday driving”. Well-presented and faithful to its roots, this 1987 GTI 16V offers the ideal blend of classic looks, lively performance, and practical enjoyment, a fine example of an enduring hot hatch icon.

The History & Paperwork

First registered in April 1987
Last V5C issued in March 2023
The photos indicate an odometer reading of 161,494 miles
Advisory-free MOT until February 2026
We’re told the car has been garaged since 2022

The Condition

Small bumper GTI
Sunroof model
Finished in Tornado Red
Paintwork presents smart all round with little visible imperfections
The seller notes “the condition of the exterior is excellent”
Minimal signs of surface rust in the typical places
Front and rear plastic bumpers could benefit from a light refurb to restore an even black
Considerable wear on the driver’s door handle
The previous owner is said to have “replaced the vulnerable corroded fuel pump housing with an alloy alternative”
14 inch ‘Bottletop’ alloys with 4 Pirelli tyres
Windows and glasses all round appear intact
The interior presents in good condition overall with some visible blemishes throughout
OEM black/grey striped fabric front and rear seats, and door cards
Front and rear floor mats are present and appear good
Some scuffing can be seen on the dashboard
Original instrument cluster shows slight damage on the clock screen
Factory switchgear
A Pioneer radio with removable faceplate is fitted
Sunroof and headlining appears well with some signs of sagging in areas, the sunroof itself is sticking in the closed position
Boot and shelf appear in good condition

The Mechanics

1781cc (1.8L) 4-cylinder 16-valve NA petrol engine
5-speed manual gearbox
Front-wheel drive
The vendor advises the car “was not fitted with the optional power steering from factory, and therefore found it heavy to drive so sourced the necessary parts for power steering and had them fitted”
We’re told “the engine is standard and starts and runs correctly”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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