Highlights
• An example of the ever-popular VR6 with “very good bones”
• The potential to put your own mark on this classic ‘90’s “mega-hatch” hero
• A running and MOT’d example meaning you can use this car immediately and improve it at your leisure
The Background
Volkswagen arguably pioneered the hot-hatch market with the ground-breaking MK1 Golf GTi. By the time the MK3 Golf rolled along, however, the GTi was a pale shadow of the original car. Luckily there was a car that firmly re-established the MK3 Golf’s sporting credentials. And how! That car was the Golf VR6.
Volkswagen's narrow-angle 2.8L V6 is a gem of an engine. This chain-driven unit produced 174hp and 173lb ft, which was enough to take the sub-1,200kg VR6 through the 0-60mph dash in 7.4 seconds and on to 140mph.
The History
The current owner has owned this car for a little under 10 years, long having had a desire to own the flagship of the MK3 Golf range. He acquired the car to use as a sporty daily-driver and it has served him very well and proved robustly reliable.
The owner is now reluctantly looking to find an enthusiastic new owner for the VR6 due to health issues that prevent him from being able to fully enjoy this 90’s mega-hatch hero car.
The Paperwork
As you will see from our photographic package, there is a decent archive of paperwork to accompany this car. There is the current V5, of course. There is the original book pack including a service book with VW dealer stamps up to around 60,000 miles.
The current MOT is present in paper form also.
The current MOT is present in paper form also.
The Interior
The interior is in better condition than the down-at-heel driver’s seat would initially suggest. The driver’s seat clearly need retrimming and yet the other seats, especially the rears, are in decent condition for the age and mileage of the car.
The beige leather is surely the sweet-spot of the interior trim options and the black carpets, grey headlining and door cards are all in good original condition. The car benefits from a factory fitted glass sunroof complete with the original sliding shade. The dash, steering wheel and gear lever appear in reasonable condition with the potential to further improve their appearance.
The Exterior
The bodywork is the main area of potential improvement for this VR6. There are a number of areas of chipped paintwork, significant paint fade and areas of repair and existing rust evident to various areas of the car.
The fabric of the car seems good, however, with panel gaps appearing consistent and tight and the doors and boot shutting cleanly and positively.
The non-standard Audi alloy wheels appear to be in a poor condition but mainly due to excessive lacquer peel rather than significant curb-rash or material kerbing damage. These wheels could easily be refurbished at moderate cost or replaced with the original design of alloys.
The non-standard Audi alloy wheels appear to be in a poor condition but mainly due to excessive lacquer peel rather than significant curb-rash or material kerbing damage. These wheels could easily be refurbished at moderate cost or replaced with the original design of alloys.
The Mechanics
The car starts and runs and is reported to be perfectly useable.
The owner reports that everything works as it should and that he has had the car serviced and MOT’d annually in his ownership.
The owner reports that everything works as it should and that he has had the car serviced and MOT’d annually in his ownership.
The Appeal
If you are a MK3 Golf lover, as many are, and you want to enjoy a performance version of this very practical model, then the VR6 is clearly the car to have. The silky 2.8L V6 engine is a gem which has gone on to prove very robust and reliable at higher mileages.
Additionally, this car has the potential to be improved to become a very fine car indeed. With mainly cosmetic attention needed it remains a fast and practical car that can be regularly used whilst undergoing further improvement at your leisure. A great prospect for the fast-Volkswagen enthusiast.
Notice to bidders
Additionally, this car has the potential to be improved to become a very fine car indeed. With mainly cosmetic attention needed it remains a fast and practical car that can be regularly used whilst undergoing further improvement at your leisure. A great prospect for the fast-Volkswagen enthusiast.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.