VW Golf GTI MKII
Expensive – though not unrealistic – this Eighties hot hatch is an unrepeatable ownership prospect reckons Andy Talbot
Same family owned until 2008, this plush Golf MKII GTI comes with an extensive history, including original Sidlow Garages VW order form, original invoice, service books and the build sheet. The pretty Alpine White original bodywork displays clean lines and gaps. There’s a stone chip on the lower passenger door and a small dent on an offside area of the bonnet, but elsewhere the condition of this GTI is immaculate and a real treasure with concours potential. The plastic bumpers and red trim look factory fresh, as do all other GTI mouldings. Original Vw-fitment BBS alloys are mint with correct centre caps. Door shuts are clean and original, complete with factory stickers. It is also great to see factory-applied Waxoyl still evident in recesses. The steel sunroof operates perfectly with no signs of corrosion in the mechanism.
The interior boasts a rare, opulent level of specification for an Eighties GTI, with leather trim and a full complement of electronics. The grey carpets and black headlining are impeccable and the fit and finish of surfaces and switchgear is excellent. The leather GTI steering wheel and gear knob show little wear and the slate grey leather sports seats are equally fresh and supportive. There is a dealersupplied Panasonic CQ-825FNV radio cassette player, while an Eighties car alarm sensor, likely a dealer-fit option, sits atop the dashboard. Gauges are clear and working, as is the all-important MFA computer display. The boot area is fresh and unspoilt, with under carpet bodywork as forecourt fresh as it was in 1989.
The engine bay would score highly in a concours; the odd bolt needs a refresh to get top marks but nothing looks like it’s deteriorating. Impeccably maintained beyond the norm, everything is factory spec, including the rare optional air-con unit. A recent but appropriate-looking Bosch battery has been fitted. The windscreen washer and coolant header tank bottle show no discolouring and are topped up correctly, as are all other fluids. There are no signs of any leaks or overheating anywhere.
Contitech timing belts appear recent, as do Volkswagen Quantum HT leads. The factory power steering makes short work of tight manoeuvres but provides plenty of precision and feedback nonetheless, with no untoward clunks or pulling to either side. The clutch action is smooth enough to take the car through its five speeds with ease and the gearshift is pleasantly positive to use. Getting up to speed is uninhibited and smooth, and the eight-valve engine feels as though it’s lost none of its 110bhp. The brakes feel balanced and trustworthy.
A replacement subframe, cambelt, water pump plus reconditioned steering rack and service was done in 2015, as attested to in the comprehensive service history that also backs up the sub-60,000 mileage.
An Eighties GTI that has working air-con, power steering, leather and power windows from the factory, it offers the classic Golf GTI experience with modern civility.