Description
This golf is in need of work before it can head back onto the road; potential buyers should be mechanically minded and expect a project.
Engine and Gearbox
The engine has had a top end refresh due to timing chain failure in the past. Work included having the head cleaned, skimmed and valves and valve guides replaced where required and new set of stem seals. Along with the usual gaskets. A new timing kit was fitted using the newer 'MK4' guides which mitigate a common failure point. The flywheel was resurfaced and a new Sachs clutch fitted. The clutch pedal itself works but is a little spongy, I suspect the master cylinder letting air in over time (will require investigation).
Suspension and Brakes
While the engine was removed, the front subframe and suspension was refreshed. Firstly, sand blasting and powder coating the subframe and ARB. New wishbones, struts, mounts, inner outer tied rods were also fitted. The rear however has not received the same attention and could benefit though may not require complete removal. The golf currently sits on a set of MK1 S3/ TT Competition alloys.
Brakes will require attention, they do work but have only be used for loading and moving between storage. A new set of brake hoses have been fitted and copper pipes front to back.
Body and chassis
In typical MK 3 fashion this Golf suffers from rust in the usual areas. While some repairs have been done, attention will be required around the sills and NS rear arch (panels included). Expect some scabbiness though I would not condemn it as terminal.
Interior
The blue cloth interior is fairly tidy and has a few grubby finger prints but will clean up nice. Headlining is sagging and will need repair/ replacing. This was bought around 4 years ago as Barn/ Garage find and judging by the MOT has been off the road for the past 15 years.
When I bought this car it was running rough having skipped timing and showed potential as was mostly complete. The plan was never to restore the car but instead return to a roadworthy condition and enjoy as a useable classic. Unfortunately, with work and a handful of other projects side-tracking me I cant realistically see the myself getting the car there.
Prices for the MK3 VR6 are certainly on the rise from when I bought it, with 'Good' examples fetching £5k+. Potential buyers should expect to be taking on a project and a competent DIYer will be able to get this to roadworthy and then sort the small issues as they go.
At this price the car would also make a great donor for potential MK2 VR6 builds, conversions or to convert for track. Though it would be a shame to see an early VR6 (fitted with the distributor) taken off the road.
Note that service history has been misplaced by previous owners but a folders worth of invoices detailing work I've carried out is present.
