1979 Volkswagen Golf GTi MK1

Highlights

• Rare 4 speed car
• RHD UK supplied
• Iconic Mars Red exterior with Tartan interior
• Presented in fantastic condition
• Large amount of documentation

General Description

To own a hot hatch is a dream for many young and old, as they present the very essence of an everyday enthusiasts’ car. They combine the usability of a hatchback with the performance and agility of a sports car. There have been many over the years from the Ford Fiesta ST, the Peugeot 205 GTi and the Honda Civic Type R, but it is argued that the father of the hot hatch and best of them all is the Volkswagen Golf GTi MK1.

The story of Volkswagen Golf GTi MK1 starts with a few Volkswagen engineers, spearheaded by engineer Alfons Lowenberg, entertaining the possibility about putting the 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine from the Audi 80 GTE into the Golf. After a prototype was built and further testing was done, it was approved and the Golf GTi MK1 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1975.

Despite the feelings internally in Volkswagen that no more than 5,000 cars would be sold, it was a runaway success and improvements were made over time. By 1979, the decision was made to replace the 4-speed gearbox with a 5 speed one and in 1982 the 1.6 litre engine was replaced with a more powerful 1.8 engine.

Production would cease in 1983, making way for the MK2 GTi, and over 450,000 cars were sold. In those years of production, VW reinvented the idea of what an affordable performance car could be. The iconic silhouette, golf ball gear knob and tartan seats are a distinguishable today as they were in period. It can be argued about whether it is the original hot hatch, but it cannot be argued that it is one of the greatest hot hatches of all time.

About this specific vehicle

This car that Specialist Cars Kingswinford are proud to offer for auction is a 1979 Volkswagen Golf GTi MK1. This example is presented in its original Mars Red exterior with Tartan Red and Black cloth interior. This car is incredibly rare being one of the four speed RHD models that was only available for three months in 1979, from June to August, before the introduction of the five-speed gearbox. This car has all the elements of the early 1.6 litre cars. including the smaller rear lights than the later Mk1 and the tartan insert trim. It also has the iconic Toric T-76 buckle-less seat belts, golf ball gear knob and Wolfsburg three spoke steering wheel.

Today, this car presents extremely well, having covered just over 100,000 miles from new. The car has had 10 previous owners and has been carefully cared for by the previous owner under a long stint of ownership. The paint and interior present incredibly well, with the engine bay presenting in original condition, having not been restored. The car does not have its original parcel shelf or owner’s manual, but does include a large history file, with numerous invoices and other paperwork.

This presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a rare variant of a 1980s icon in fantastic condition.