1981 Volkswagen Golf GTi 'Mark 1' Hatchback
Registration no. TUR 110W
Chassis no. 17BW535827
Engine no. EG310260

Launched in 1974, the Golf represented a complete break with Volkswagen tradition, yet would prove as big a sales success as its Beetle predecessor. In GTi form the Golf has become one of the great icons of modern motoring, giving rise to an entirely new class of sporting saloon - the 'hot hatch' - in the process. First seen at the Frankfurt Show in September 1975, the GTi came with a 1.6-litre, fuel-injected, 110bhp engine which, in a car weighing a mere 846 kilos (1,861lbs) made for a performance package of a type not seen since the demise of the Mini Cooper 1275 S. Increasing competition from rival manufacturers prompted the introduction of a 1.8-litre GTi in 1982, and although maximum power increased only slightly to 114bhp, there was a considerable improvement in mid-range acceleration. The Golf emerged in restyled Mark 2 form for 1984 and the GTi gained an alternative engine the following year when a 1.8-litre, 139bhp, 16-valve unit becoming available alongside the existing 8-valver.

A rare survivor of the iconic Golf GTi in its earliest, purest form, this highly original example of one of the most collectible of modern classics was purchased by the current owner in 1985 with 14,000 miles recorded on the odometer. The Golf was used as an everyday driver up to 2006 and has now covered some 65,000 miles. In 2006 the car was totally rebuilt, including a full engine and gearbox rebuild and rewiring of the electrical system. The original perfect interior was retained, merely requiring a clean, as was the original metal sunroof. All tyres, brakes and fluids were replaced less than 500 miles ago and the car is described as in superb condition. The stereo head unit is the only notified deviation from factory specification. Without doubt one of the finest early Golf GTi models currently available, the car is offered with all MoT certificates from new, restoration bills and photographs, V5C registration document and MoT to May 2016.