Rarest VW MK1 Golf of all
The Volkswagen MK1 Golf is as proudly South African as biltong, braai, and rugby. For a bit of reference, VWSA produced oduced a total of 532 588 first-generation ration Golfs between 1978 and 2009 at its manufacturing factory ry in Uitenhage, now known as s Kariega.
Even though production ceased back in 2009, there are plenty enty of examples still frequenting the roads and in various states es of customisation/tuning.
During that time, there have ave been plenty of spin-off models odels like the Billabong, Deco, Life, Tenciti, Citirox, WolfSonic, , Storm, and Velociti. Two years before it was announced that the MK1 Golf would completely cease production tion in the country, VW launched ed their fastest and most exclusive e version of the iconic nameplate – the e 1.8i R / R-Line.
Fastest of them all
The limited edition offering ng was powered by a 1,8-litre petrol engine with maximum i outputs t t of f 90kW and 162Nm.
Volkswagen claimed it could do the 0-100km/h sprint in 8,5-seconds with a top speed of 190km/h. Not bad for a car that weighed less than 1 000kg.
Besides the performance per stakes, it was also made visually distinctive distinct with red trimmings around the grille, a rear spoiler, 15-inch alloy ‘Velociti’ wheels, and R-line badging. badgi
The red theme t is carried through to the inside with a stitched stit gear lever cover, seats, and handbra handbrake lever. There’s also a dashboard sourced source from a Polo, a three-spoke steering wheel, wheel as well as silver dials and pedals. VW m made a point of setting it apart from the rest. r
As has always been the case with 99,9% 99,9 of Mk1s, they don’t come with ABS brakes, air conditioning (which could coul be fitted as an optional extra), electric electr windows, or power steering – the R-Line Ris no different. It only came standar standard with a CD/MP3 player.
One als also must remember that VW only made 100 of them, and they sold as quickly as advertised f for a (then) purchase price of R115 920 – back b when cars were cheap. Another limited limit edition model was the Citi GTS. Although it was s slower than the R-Line, it featured some nifty additions like 15-inch gunmetal alloys, sports seats, and suspension. Only 375 units were produced. These Th days, d you h have to look very hard to find one for sale because owners are holding onto them. If one does get listed for sale, it will be priced at way more than what it cost more than a decade ago. Exclusivity drives up the value.