VW Golf LS
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine fires with zero hesitation or smoke and the motor sounds in fine fettle – in fact, it drives beautifully, as you would expect from a car that has covered fewer than 20,000 miles from new. All of the controls are pin-sharp and extremely responsive. You merely have to glance at the throttle and the revvy little engine propels you onwards, post-haste. The steering is light but precise and direct. The car handles brilliantly and the brakes do an adequate job of stopping the car in a straight line without squealing, juddering or diving to either side.
BODYWORK CHECK
The bodywork and Marino Yellow paint are incredibly well presented, with no swirling, peeling or fading. The only minor blemish concerns some slight chipping to the nearside edge of the scuttle panel where it meets the corner of the wing. The original steel wheels are in good order and the Barum Brillantis tyres appear to be wearing evenly, and are showing plenty of tread. There is nothing untoward to report underneath the car, where it looks clean and rust-free. There is no sign of botched repairs or chassis damage and all of the shutlines are straight and even.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Everything here is wearing very well. The seats are comfortable yet fi rm, though the driver’s side cover has lost some of its elasticity. Everything works as intended and looks factoryfresh. Nothing is broken, damaged or cracked and the original radio is still fitted. The headlining has not sagged or split and all gauges work. The carpets show no signs of any water leaks and the cabin is fresh and dry. The boot is similarly tidy and the full-size spare appears to be unused.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is free from grime, worn parts and any other impairments commensurate with a car of this age. There is no evidence of any fluid leaks, and the fuel and air fi lters look healthy. Likewise, the radiator and all pipework look good. The area under the bonnet is rust-free and an inspection of the braking and suspension components reveals no unpleasant surprises. The brakes have been recently overhauled. Some ancillaries can perish on low mileage classics with limited use, but everything here is top notch.
THE CCW VIEW
This exceptionally clean, alloriginal and low-mileage Golf has a comprehensive history folder of receipts dating back to the original bill of sale in the Seventies and represents a great investment opportunity for someone. It drives remarkably well, too. Early Golfs come up for sale comparatively rarely – and certainly not in this sort of timewarp condition – so while it’s strong money for a non-GTI, try finding another one as good.