Highlights

Older high end restoration with only 1,000 miles covered since
Desirable factory-standard, late-model 1.6L Mk1
Vast history file for restoration and further work
Cambelt, fuel tank and lines, oil pump, injectors and fuel lines replaced in 2023
Full service in 2023 with few miles covered since
Voluntary MOT to February 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

How times change. In the early 70s there was so little enthusiasm for a ‘sporty Golf’ within Volkswagen that the engineers who conceived it had to develop it in their spare time.

The 1,600cc Mk1 GTi is the purest iteration of their ‘skunkworks’ endeavours. Later cars refined the concept, but the original, with its fizzy Audi-derived EA827 engine, has the rough-edged charm and verve that defines the best classics.

Good examples are getting hard to find, particularly unmolested ones. That makes this one a treat. Finished in silver with BBS cross-spoke alloys, later 4spd gearbox and a highly original interior, it presents at a very elevated level. That is a consequence of its high end restoration around 10 years ago, just before the current keeper bought it.

He has added just 1,000 miles since. That sparing use has preserved the work and gifts the buyer a very good example of these superlative hot hatches.

Adding to the compelling appeal is a raft of recent work totalling over £3,000. Alongside a full service this included replacing the cambelt, fuel tank, fuel lines, oil pump and injectors. The car is now eligible to be registered as a Historic Vehicle - so can be MOT and tax exempt - but usefully comes to market with remaining MOT. There were no advisories on the test, as you might expect from the recent work.

The vendor writes:

“It runs perfectly and is fast with good acceleration and great handling. It is a fantastic car to drive. The Mk1 GTI is a 1980s icon, and this one drives incredibly and looks fantastic.”

The History and Paperwork

First registered 18th February 1982
VIN number confirms this as a 1982 model year car
Built during the final few months of 1.6L production
12 registered keepers
Current keeper since September 2015
Acquired from a dealer following a comprehensive restoration
Details of the restoration recorded in history file including receipts, invoices and photo book
Lots of history in well organised folder as shown
MOT records confirm sparing use of around 1,000 miles since purchase by current keeper
V5C in current keeper’s name
Not currently registered as a Historic Vehicle but it is eligible by age
This would make the car MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Serviced along with other work summarised below in September 2023
MOT runs to 14th February 2025 with no advisories

The Condition

High end restoration whose condition is clear from the photos
Finished in silver metallic with quality paint finish showing few signs of age
Bodywork is similarly well kept with arches, sills and panels including edges presenting very well
Vendor tells us that the car has no visible rust, scratches, or imperfections
Exterior fittings including arch trims, glass, lights and trim all in very good order
Lightly modified exterior with smoked indicators and rear lights and black grille badge
Fitted with uprated BBS cross-spoke 15in alloy wheels in very good condition
Alloys show some light kerbing but not visible unless seen up close
Fitted with quality Firestone tyres showing plenty of remaining tread and good sidewall condition
Underside in very good condition following restoration with no structural advisories on MOT
Fitted with period 80s pop-up glass sunroof
Original and unmolested Mk1 GTI interior in very good condition with only light patina
Retains desirable early features like the red fabric seats and optional leather gear knob
Interior fittings are well kept with only light wear, which appears easily improved if needed
This includes some light marks to one of the door cards as shown
Retains its period-correct Blaupunkt radio cassette system and auxiliary console dials
Supplied with factory steel spare wheel as shown

The Mechanics

Characterful 1,588cc 110bhp EA827 fuel injected engine
Later car with desirable 5spd manual gearbox
Vendor tells us the car starts easily from cold
Sparingly used since vendor acquired car in 2015, covering around 1,000 miles
£3,000 of pre-sale preparation work which is shown in photos and summarised below
Largely mechanically standard car with addition of strut braces front and rear as shown
No reported running or driving issues
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT

Summary of recent work in September 2023:

General check over
Full service
Replacement fuel tank
Fuel lines replaced
Cambelt replaced
Oil pump renewed
Oil flush
New fuel injectors

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

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