First released in June 1976, the MK1 Golf GTi came with a 1.6 litre fuel-injected 110bhp engine. In a car weighing a mere 846 kilos (1,861lbs) it resulted in a performance package of a type not seen since the demise of the Mini Cooper 1275 S. This first edition is known as the Series 1 MK1 GTi and featured a 4 speed manual gearbox.
In 1979, the Series 1 MK 1 Golf GTi received a 5 speed manual gearbox. The 5 speed variant of the Series 1 was only available worldwide from August 1979 to August 1980 and only available in the UK from January 1980 to August 1980. It was replaced by the Series 2 variant, also with the same 1600cc engine (enlarged to 1800cc from 1982), but with significantly revised interior trim, an updated dashboard and differently styled alloy wheels. As only available new for such a short time, the Series 1 1600cc 5 Speed MK1 GTi, is now amongst the hardest to find of all surviving MK1 GTis.
First registered on 18/02/1980, this matching numbers example, is finished in its original Mars Red with matching black and red tartan trim.
In 2019 the car was been subject to a comprehensive bare shell nut and bolt restoration, covering bodywork, interior and mechanicals including a gearbox and engine rebuild, braking system and suspension refurbishment and upgrade. Other upgrades include a set of period correct BBS RS 16” split rim wheels and early Series 1 metal bumpers.
Featuring a host of upgrades, very much sought after within the “modified” Golf community, the car does also come with its original replaced items, such as wheels, wrap around bumpers and headlights, to enable the car to be restored to a more original specification.
This fabulous Series 1 5 speed, represents an excellent opportunity for enthusiast or collector alike, to own one of the rarest and best examples of VWs iconic GTI, currently available.
Mars Red is one of the most sought after colours for the MK 1 Golf GTi and for good reason. The colour really is very much of the period and really accentuates Giugiaro’s design that reflected his signature "origami" or "folded-paper" style, emphasising sharp corners and flat planes.
Additionally, as a Series 1 car, it is fitted with the smaller rear lights (which are genuine FIFFT smoked items), which in combination with the contrasting black infill between the rear lights, arguably provides for a much neater and distinctive rear end, than the later Series 2 MK1 variant.
As can be seen from the photos, the paintwork is in superb overall condition, having benefitted from a bare restoration and respray in 2019. The restoration is documented with over 500 photos on a memory stick, that’s part of the documented history file. The finish holds and impressive shine and is uniform in both colour and finish across all panels, with all panel gaps being factory tight.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car was subject to a sympathetic paintwork detail and treated to two coats of Swissvax’s excellent Crystal Rock wax, which provides up to 6-12 months paint protection.
All rubbers, plastics and glass are in excellent condition. In addition, the car has been retro fitted with the very early Series 1 metal bumpers, incorporating smoked indicator lenses as well as smoked “cross hair” headlights, all of which are sought after upgrades within the “modified” Golf community.
Although looking spartan by today’s comparison, the interior of the MK1 Golf GTi is as iconic as its exterior.
The dashboard layout was designed for functionality, ease of reading and solid build quality.
As a Series 1 car, it features the non-facelift dash board lay-out and 3 spoke “Wolfsburg” steering wheel which has recently been re-trimmed in Napa Leather. In addition, the upholstery has the legendary tartan finish of the Series 1 cars, recently refurbished by MJ interiors using the correct material.
As part of the restoration a new headlining was fitted, along with a new carpet set, protected by a set of over mats, front and back.
The car is fitted with a new old stock dealer fitted Sanyo Radio Cassette player, that plays through original door mounted speakers, preserving intact, the rear parcel shelf
2 additional gauges incorporating oil temperature and a clock, sit on the centre console, immediately in front of the “golf ball” topped gear lever.
All switchgear, lights and heater work as they should and the boot of the car is dry, corrosion free. The car comes with its jack and tyre lever set and spare original alloy wheel.
With little weight to pull, the 1.6 litre fuel injected engine feels strong and is keener to rev than its larger 1.8 litre counterpart.
As part of the full engine rebuild, it was fitted with 0.5mm oversize pistons, its head ported and polished and a Kent Cam GS2 fast road cam fitted, along with a piper vernier pulley.
Air intake has been improved with a an Audi 2.2 litre throttle body and K&N panel filter and new fuel injectors have also been fitted. A Super Sprint 4 branch manifold improves the exhaust flow, which is mated to a stainless steel exhaust system.
The car certainly feel lively to drive with a good spread of torque, matched with some good power at the top of the rev range. Low speed driving does not seem unduly effected by the sportier cam.
A repainted rocker box cover and all new braided fuel lines, Samco coolant and ancillary hoses, make for a very presentable engine bay.
The 5 speed gearbox is a joy to use, albeit quite long in throw, as was typical of the time. As part of the restoration the gearbox was rebuilt, a Motorsport gear linkage fitted, along with new drive shafts. The clutch engages smoothly and shows no undue signs of wear.
The car rides well on its suspension which has all been replaced with adjustable KW V2 coil-overs, with new top mounts all round. In addition, the suspension also benefits from being fitted with H&R anti roll bars front and rear and has been fully poly-bushed. New wishbone arms and ball joints have been fitted, hubs and steering rack refurbished and new track rod ends fitted.
The car sits on a set of very sought after period correct BBS RS 16” 3-piece split rims. These are staggered, with fronts 7 x16 fitted with 165/45/16 Nankang NS2’s and rears 8 x 16 fitted with 195/40/16 Dunlop SP9000’s. All tyres show minimal wear, with the spare an original alloy wheel and tyre.
Fitted with discs brakes at the front and drums at the back, the front callipers were fully refurbished as part of the restoration and fitted with new discs, pads and braided brake hoses. In addition, new drums and shoes fitted on the rear.
The car has been previously given an underseal treatment as part of the restoration.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car’s underside has additionally been treated to our comprehensive underside preservation treatment. This entailed an underside deep clean, any surface corrosion on mechanical componentry where evident, wire brushed and treated with rust converter, then 2 coatings of clear DINITROL automotive rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment applied. The floor plan was also treated to a coating of stone chip protector and then also sealed with 2 coatings of clear DINITROL automotive rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment.
This provides for a further level of corrosion resistance to those areas, which is long lasting, chip resistant and jet wash proof. This all adds up to a car that now has outstanding underbody protection from corrosion, that is now much better than factory and which provides excellent protection for the car, even if driven on UK roads all year round.
The documented history folder contains the current registration document and clear Total Car Check dated 03/12/2024.
The file also contains numerous maintenance and parts invoices, dating from 2015 up until 2023, many from VW Heritage Parts, who specialise in original VW classic parts.
There are some laminated A4 overviews of the car and its restoration build details These have been used for description purposes, when it’s been displayed at various car shows.
The car comes with an original VW Golf dealer’s brochure from 1979 and its original dealer book pack. This contains amongst other things, the owner’s manual, Sanyo radio/cassette operating manual and its service book, containing 16 stamps, up until 65,491 miles.
The car’s full restoration in 2019 was comprehensively photo documented, over 500 of which are contained on a memory stick, that also comes with the Documented History file.
Finally, along with 2 sets of keys and a replacement set of 4 BBS wheel centre caps, the car also comes with its own hard copy book, that documents its history in photos, from restoration, through completion and on to being displayed at various shows.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
