First seen at the Frankfurt Show in September 1975, the GTi came with a 1.6 litre, fuel-injected, 110bhp engine which, in a car weighing a mere 846 kilos (1,861lbs) resulted in a performance package of a type not seen since the demise of the Mini Cooper 1275 S.
Increasing competition from rival manufacturers prompted the introduction of a 1.8 litre GTi in 1982, and although maximum power increased only slightly to 114bhp, there was a considerable improvement in mid-range acceleration.
First registered on 04/02/1983, this example of the iconic Mk. I Golf GTi is finished in its original black with matching black and silver cloth trim.
Following the invoice history, the car has been subject to a comprehensive restoration over the period from 2012 to 2015, covering bodywork, interior and mechanicals including a gearbox and engine rebuild. In addition, there are also a significant amount of invoices over the 2018 to 2020 period, resulting in a car that is in incredible condition and as close to factory specification as possible.
The quality of the restoration speak for itself, with the car having won trophies at multiple concours and show and shine events, such as VW Festival, Deva Dubs and Rods, VW Breakout and Back 2 Basics. Most recently the car was awarded “Best GTi” and “Top 3 Standard Golf” in this year’s MK1 Golf Owner’s Club gathering in Stratford, celebrating the Golf 50th anniversary. All trophies and accolades are included with the sale.
Considering the car is 41 years old, its overall condition is a remarkable reflection of both the quality of the restoration and the meticulous care it has received since.
For collector and enthusiast alike, this matching numbers example, which comes with its own VW heritage and configuration certificates, is a proven show winner and represents an excellent opportunity to own one of the very best examples of this iconic piece of motoring history, currently available.
Black is one of the most sought after colours for the MK 1 Golf GTi and for good reason. The colour really accentuates its purposeful stance and is beautifully offset by the silver painted alloy wheels, side stripes and red front grill surrounds.
Additionally, this car is fitted a sliding sunroof and four light front grill, both of which would have been optional extras for this model.
As can be seen from the photos, the paintwork is in superb overall condition,
holds an impressive shine, is uniform both in colour and finish across all panels and all panel gaps are 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 and plastics are in excellent condition. The optional extra green tinted glass with additional top tint windscreen is all free from scratches or chips and even still retains the car’s registration number, etched into the side windows. Finally, OEM spec mudflaps are fitted front and rear.
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 1983 car, it features the revised “Series 2” dash board lay-out. New dials, were joined by LED warning lights, a digital clock and extra air vents. In addition, introduced in 1982, this car also incorporates the “MFA” trip computer, which could measure fuel economy, distance, fuel range, engine temperatures and external temperatures, all pretty advanced back then.
As a Series 2 car, the upholstery also changed to the striped, rather than the tartan finish of the Series 1 cars. In this car, the black and silver upholstery has been recovered as part of the restoration in OEM cloth and a such presents beautifully. There is little to no sign of any wear, equally door cards and the headlining also present in similar condition. A new carpet set was fitted as part of the restoration, protected by a set of over mats, front and back.
A Blaupunkt Lubeck II radio cassette player is fitted. It keeps the period appearance but discretely incorporates Bluetooth capability. Speakers are the original door mounted ones preserving intact, the rear parcel shelf.
3 additional gauges covering oil pressure, voltage and engine oil temperature, sit on the centre console, immediately in front of the “golf ball” topped gear lever and above the cassette storage deck.
Door mirrors are operated by remote toggles on the inside of the car.
The sliding sunroof operates as it should and the aperture is free from any signs of corrosion.
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 matching spare alloy wheel and tyre to the driven wheels.
With little weight to pull, the 1.8 litre fuel injected engine was not much of an increase bhp wise over the earlier 1.6 litre engine, but more torque made for improved driving characteristics according to most contemporary reviews.
As part of the full engine build it has had during its restoration, a Kent Cam GS2 cam has been fitted, which is described as the ultimate road going cam for these engines, without the need to modify the pistons.
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 Zircotec coated inlet manifold, repainted rocker box cover and all new water and fuel lines, make for a very presentable engine bay.
It’s most recent service was at 133K and both cambelt and water pump have also been changed.
Photos of the engine rebuild are part of the comprehensive documented history file, which details many thousands of pounds spent on parts for the restoration, as well as previous and post parts and maintenance before and after the restoration.
The 5 speed gearbox is a joy to use, albeit quite long in throw, as was typical of the time. The clutch engages smoothly and shows no undue signs of wear. Invoice history evidences a gearbox strip down and rebuild, as well as new clutch having been previously fitted.
The car rides well on its suspension which has all been replaced as part of, or following the restoration, according to the invoice history, with no noticeable clonks or squeaks. The correct Sachs shocks are fitted.
Handling wise, the car feels agile, quick to turn, with a little roll but with plenty of driver feedback.
The car sits on its factory option 5.5J x 13 inch alloy wheels, all fitted with the correct 175/70 VR 13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tyres, as specified by VW for this car. All wheels including the spare were refurbished in 2022 and remain unmarked and all tyres show minimal wear, with the spare matching the driven wheels which appears unused.
Fitted with discs brakes at the front and drums at the back, invoice history evidences new front callipers with stainless steel brake lines and rear drums have been fitted, as part of the restoration along with an upgraded master cylinder.
The car has been previously given a Dinitrol 4941 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, removed/treated and then 3 coatings of clear DINITROL automotive rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment applied.
This provides for a further level of corrosion resistance to those areas, which is long lasting 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 registration document and clear Total Car Check dated 11/11/2024.
The file contains extensive maintenance and parts invoices, dating from 1998 right up until 2023, many from VW Heritage Parts specialising in original VW classic parts and Crazy Quiffs, specialists in the MK1 Golf parts. All evidence of the care, attention to detail and investment in bringing this car to the standard it now presents. The documents file also contains a set of laminated A4 photos detailing the engine rebuild.
Impressively, the file also contains MOT certificates dating back to 1997 right up until the current MOT issued in June 2024. In addition, there are both a build and factory options certificates from VW, that comes with the car.
The car will come with all of its trophies from show and concours events as well as a scale model of the car.
A dealers book pack, original sales brochure, two books outlining the `Golf GTi, a period owners workshop manual and a couple of Classic Car magazines, featuring the MK 1 Golf GTi make up the rest of the documented history file.
Finally, the car comes with 2 sets of keys, a collection of photos from when the car was prepared ahead of entering the 2024 MK1 Golf Owner’s Club gathering in Stratford, celebrating the Golf 50th anniversary.
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.
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