Highlights

Only three registered keepers from new
Huge history file contained in two thick folders
Engine fully checked over recently by specialist
Sympathetic upgrades including stainless hoses and rear disc brakes
Very well presented unmodified car in great condition
Desirable 1.8L car and one of the last pre-Campaigns built
Voluntary MOT to June 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

The Golf GTI wasn’t a new idea - Ford had been making its saloons go faster for years - but it perfected the concept. This was a car that was as practical and comfortable as it was engaging and sporting.

The 1.8L version gave the Mk1 the power to match the potential. It is rare to find one as good as this 1983 car because so many were run into the ground (and hedges). Classically finished in Mars Red, it is a proper time warp find thanks to the evident care of its three registered keepers from new.

The current keeper acquired the car in 2018 and has cherished it, always storing it in a dry, dehumidified garage and never using it in the rain. You can tell why - the car is in very good condition indeed, being highly original and pleasingly unmodified right down to the factory alloys - shod with period correct Pirelli Cinturaro P4s - and working radio cassette system. Even the MFA trip computer and MPG gauge work correctly.

It is a reflection of his high standards that he has had the engine fully checked over by a model specialist. This engine is so good that if it doesn’t need a rebuild, it is best avoided. This one doesn’t. The car is factory standard but with some useful improvements, notably a rear disc brake conversion to address the Mk1 GTI’s notorious reluctance to stop. He has also put the car through a voluntary MOT, despite this no longer being a legal requirement. Naturally it passed without advisories - it runs to June 2025.

There are lower mileage Mk1 GTIs around, but are there better ones for sale right now? We suspect not. Here is a chance to indulge your 80s nostalgia or simply experience one of the greatest hot hatches - correction, cars - ever built.

The vendor says:

“Sitting on period-correct Pirelli Cinturato P4 tyres, her stance is spot-on and wanting for nothing. The engine bursts vigorously into life, pulling with ease, flicking through her 5-speed gearbox smoothly thanks to a new clutch kit. And don’t forget to turn on the perfectly functioning radio cassette which is on a snatch plate and listen to a bit of your favourite 80’s music!

“Having only 3 long-term owners from new makes this an appealing purchase, but the best thing about this car is it’s the last of the true GTI’s as it is not a Campaign Edition. This was done in the UK just to get rid of the surplus Mark 1 Golfs before Mark 2 was launched.

“This true Mk1 GTI looks, feels and sounds fantastic - you can sense every little thing through its steering wheel and its driving seat. It’s the car that makes 40mph feel like 400mph, that’s how driving should feel especially as she is so light at approximately 850kg!

As well as the dozens of MOTs and thousands of pounds worth of receipts, she also retains her incredibly rare original blue factory owner’s car manuals.

“Don’t let 189k mileage put you off, I cannot personally warrant it but looking at the MOT history I believe it to be honest.”

The History and Paperwork

Registered 9th May 1983
Retains its original registration number AMY 992Y
Three registered keepers from new
Current keeper since February 2018
MOTs date back to 1986, with the car currently holding a valid MOT
Registered as Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Two large folders of receipts documenting maintenance and upkeep
Retains original blue factory owner's car manuals
Stored in a heated and dehumidified garage by current keeper
Only used in dry weather and never in rain by current keeper
Current voluntary MOT to 25th June 2025 with no advisories

The Condition

Very original car in classic Mars Red with few if any indications of age
Vendor describes the exterior and underside as ‘like new’
Bodywork presents well with straight panels and no reported damage or corrosion
Unmodified exterior retaining factory-correct features such as fog lights and mud flaps
Factory alloy wheels in very good order with no reported damage
Fitted with period-correct Pirelli Cinturato P4 tyres in very good condition
Underside presents very well in photos as shown with no structural advisories on MOT
Retrimmed interior in factory-correct red stripes and remains virtually like new
Interior is unmodified and fully working including MFA trip computer and MPG gauge
Features original features like working period radio cassette, cassette storage and ‘golf ball’ gear knob
Retrimmed leather-rimmed steering wheel with stitching to match interior
Headlining, carpets, door trims, dashboard and switchgear all in very good order
Vendor tells us that the switches, levers, and electrics are fully operational
Period-correct radio cassette on a snatch plate

The Mechanics

Fuel-injected 1,781cc 4cyl engine
5-speed manual transmission
We understand the car is a matching numbers example
Engine has not been rebuilt but was recently professionally inspected
This included head removed, valves tested, and compression checked
Work completed by a specialist who advised engine does not need rebuilt
Rear disc brake conversion
Goodrich stainless steel brake hoses
Stainless steel fuel hoses
Larger core ignition leads
New clutch kit installed
Engine coolant refilled with Evan’s waterless engine coolant
Very tidy and well presented engine bay as shown
Vast history file of regular servicing and maintenance by specialists
Always starts easily according to seller
No reported running or driving issues
No advisories on current MOT

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..

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✓ 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.

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