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Closed Auction- Unsold

1981 Volkswagen Mark 1 Golf GTi

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  • Mileage~91,913
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationYork

AUCTION CLOSED

1981 Volkswagen Mark 1 Golf GTi

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Introduction

Kevin Lou Jacutan
Professional Consigner

The birth of a legend - the VW Golf GTI MK1 took an early lead in the 'hot hatch' market and what an example we have for you here.

The Golf MK1 was first introduced to the world in 1974, built as a small family car and a signaling Volkswagen shift of its major car lines from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines.

The Beetle was a tough act to follow, however, Volkswagen hit the sweet spot with their sporty-looking hot hatch - the GTI. Designed by Giugiaro, famous for the Lotus Esprit, the car also had superior handling and road-holding, the Golf GTI took an early lead in a new niche it would dominate for years.

The Golf was never intended to be a performance car however back in Germany a group of enthusiastic engineers saw the potential the little hatchback could offer and started work on a "Sport Golf" project. An anti-roll bar, larger brake calipers, and vented brakes were to be used with the ride height slightly lowered and the interior fitted with tartan Recaro seats, golf ball gear knob, and sports steering wheel gifted from the Scirocco TS.

This example is being bought to sale by Marc, a meticulous owner who's really given the car the attention it deserves, and to make room for more classics, he decided to part with this lovely example.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Kevin after meeting Marc the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Being a child of the '80s it's always been my dream to own an iconic MK1 GTI.

When scrolling through ads Marc came across this very attractive Volkswagen Mark 1 Golf GTi finished in Mars Red and have always dreamt of owning such a car, he took the leap.

Marc hasn't looked back since and mentions it's a complete joy to drive. "It never fails to put a huge smile on my face as it's a proper drivers' car. The handling and performance for such a small car is astonishing and makes sense why it was the ultimate hot hatch back in the '80s".

Marc is a big classic fan, and the MK1 GTI isn't the only car in his life, he now has a T2 bay window camper and a Land Rover he is focused on putting money into, therefore, is making a difficult decision to part with the car.

Marc
Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

Square and boxy hot hatch from the '80s finished with black pinstripes - it's the unmistakable GTI.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with Golf GTI 'Tarantula' alloys, these wheels look in great condition and appear free from major damage. Just one very slight mark on the front nearside.

Finished with Goodyear Eagle NCT 3's which look to have a very good amount of tread and a recent tyre dressing applied.

Please take a look at the videos and photography for a closer look at the wheels and tyres.

Bodywork

Straight from the '80s, square, aerodynamic and boxy - you've got to love the GTI's cube-like shape. All the bodywork looks great on this particular example with all the panel gaps looking tight and true on visual inspection. Looking around we didn’t notice any areas of concern on the bodywork.

Marc reports he's replaced the front grille during his ownership and always had it garaged over winter, only taking it out on hot, dry summer days.

Please view the extensive videos and photographs to see the condition in detail.

Paint

Finished in the ultimate GTI MK1 colour - 'Mars Red' with matching red grille pipping.

The paint looks even in finish and colour across all the panels - overall an excellent finish with no major areas of concern.

The car has been polished to a high standard along with the black trim, a very well looked after example.

Please take the time to review the photographs and videos to appreciate the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks to be in great condition all around, with its number plate etched into the glass. The black trim / rubber seals look good too and are in line with the rest of the car.

Please view the images and videos of the glass and trim to see in detail.

Interior

Sporty touches continue to the interior with the famous golf ball gear knob, tartan Recaro seats, and a sporty steering wheel.

Seats and Carpets

At launch the Golf interior was given a sporty kick with tartan Recaro seats - they present in great condition within the car, maintaining their shape well for their age.

The red cloth has begun to discolour along with the vinyl back covers.

The headlining, door cards and carpets appear in very good condition and in line with the rest of the car.

Dashboard

As with the rest of the car, a really nice example. Square, boxy and functional dashboard and instrument cluster. Additionally, an LG aftermarket radio/CD player has also been fitted.

The dashboard is free from cracks, please view the images to see the dashboard in more detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The famous golf ball gear knob, and sports steering wheel gifted from the Scirocco TS greet you as you sit within the cabin, both appear in great condition with no areas of concern to note.

This is one well-looked after hot hatch.

We have captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior.

Mechanics

An Audi 80 GTE engine was installed to give the car some extra oomph - 110bhp to be exact.

Engine and Gearbox

The Audi 80 GTE's 1588cc, 110bhp four-cylinder engine fitted with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection was turned through 90 degrees to fit within the Golf's transverse layout to power this mighty hot hatch. Marc has fitted a new rear exhaust box and pipe to give the car more of a sporty growl when accelerating.

Marc reports both the engine and gearbox are smooth in operation.

Please view the cold start video to see the car fire up the first time and take a closer look around the engine bay and see underneath the car.

Suspension and Brakes

Marc reports the only modifications to the car mechanics are upgraded discs brakes and a new exhaust.

He goes on to mention, what a joy the car is to drive, comfortable, practical and performance-focused hatchback, with the dashing '80s look everybody lusts after.

Marc reports the brakes now provide even better-stopping power, and a sporty ride with no unusual knocks or noises coming from the suspension.

The Drive

A sporty yet practical drive awaits you, the Golf GTI 1.5L block offers ~110BHP of power to tap into whenever you need it.

With 5 seats and a generous boot, the car is highly practical - a perfect classic for the entire family.

Electrics and Other

Marc reports that, to his knowledge, all the electrics are working as they should. The car is also fitted with an LG CD player to bring this '80s hot hatch into the twenty-first century.

History and Paperwork

The GTI everyone lusts after, a MK1 - it's clear to see that this example as been cherished over the previous 40 years.

Marc loves his MK1 Golf GTI, however as mentioned, he has some other classics that he wishes to invest more money into, so has decided to bring this lovely example to sale.

We have listed the MOTs that have been recorded, however, please review all the paperwork to see other work carried out on the car.

This is a highly original example of the sought-after MK1 VW Golf GTI. Please ask Marc any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

We have actioned our usual checks; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
10.06.2021 MOT 91,895
26.05.2020 MOT 91,766
02.05.2019 MOT 91,727
28.03.2018 MOT 91,388
15.11.2016 MOT 90,929
07.10.2015 MOT 89,855
30.07.2014 MOT 88,883
29.05.2012 MOT 88,445
10.05.2011 MOT 86,894
07.04.2010 MOT 95,954
18.02.2009 MOT 83,851
06.02.2008 MOT 82,460
24.02.2005 MOT 81,965
20.02.2004 MOT 81,435
31.10.2002 MOT 80,560
10.11.2001 MOT 79,110
19.11.1996 MOT 78,705
11.10.1995 MOT 75,144
10.09.1993 MOT 70,143
30.06.1992 MOT 64,501
Key Details
  • ModelGolf GTI
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date05.08.1981
  • CC1588cc
  • Mileage~91,913
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #17BW655730
  • Engine #EG326224
  • RestoredNo
  • MOTYes - Exp 09.06.2022
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers3
  • Tyre BrandGoodyear
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned1yr
  • Key FeatureCondition






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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7 Comments
bryn
bryn
3 years ago

4050

Wells
Wells
3 years ago

Many thanks
I am just weather watching as I intend to cycle across and its blowing a lit currently. Hoping it will calm down ?. What is your phone number as it might be I give you a call too make a quick dash to you? Gary

Wells
Wells
3 years ago

Where about in York are you and would it be possible to come on Wednesday morning?

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Vehicle Location

York

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