Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 1985
General description :
Model History
The VW Golf Mk2 succeeded the Mk1 from 1983 and remained in production until late 1992. Volkswagen reportedly spent £500 million developing the Mk2. The car slightly grew in wheelbase, with greater exterior and interior dimensions over its predecessor. Despite this it still retained the overall look of the Mk1, albeit slightly more rounder as to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. During the life of the Mk2 there were a variety of updates and revisions to styling and trim, the most notable was the introduction of the 'big bumpers' introduced in the European market during the August 1989 facelift.
The success of the Mk1 GTI was continued with the sporty Mk2 GTI, and to capitalise on the worldwide success of the Mk1 GTI Volkswagen chose to release the Mk2 GTI in the same year as the rest of the fleet. It featured a 1.8-litre 8v engine with a slightly more powerful 16v variant following shortly. The 8v was particular popular for its low-down torque and excellent driveability. During its midlife update the 8v unit benefited from the introduction of a Digifant engine management system.
Popularity of the Mk2 grew from the 1987 advertisement “Changes” in which Paula Hamilton bearing a close resemblance to Diana, Princess of Wales is seen leaving her husband, posting her wedding ring back through the letterbox, ditching her mink coat, throwing the house keys at the cat and dumping the pearl necklace BUT keeping the car keys; it used the tag line “If only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen”. The commercial was a hit and changed the way cars were advertised from then on.
Equipment
Diamond Silver Metallic paintwork, Striped grey cloth upholstery, Pirelli P-Slot alloy wheels, Sunroof, Panasonic cassette radio, Lockable glove compartment, Digital clock, Gear efficiency indicator, Ash tray, Cigar lighter, VW carpet mats, Heated rear window, Alloy spare wheel, Tool kit, Original dealer registration plates, Original dealer stickers and tax disc holder, Spare key.
Exterior
This early Mk2 GTI presents in exceptional unrestored and original condition. Clearly treasured by its one and only keeper, almost all of the paintwork is original and still retains a lustful shine with only a handful of small stone chips and minor imperfections. The body and underside are in amazing condition, free from the usual corrosion issues thanks to spending most of its life garaged and having benefited from an additional clear coat wax protection from new. During our pre-sales inspection the mechanics were amazed at the underbody condition, also noting it has never been welded.
Looking closer, all plastic trims and rubber seals are in fine condition and the original swage line decal is still present. The Hella lights are all free from and chips and moisture ingress, and the front grille is without any cracks. Other nice details include the original dealer plates front and rear, dealer tax disc holder, and rear window sticker.
Interior
The interior space of the Golf is a real treat, very original and very tidy. The delicate striped cloth seats are in excellent order throughout, still feeling comfortable and supportive with no damage to any of the bolsters. Everything feels tight and fresh within the cabin, the controls work exactly as they should, and the cigarette lighter/ashtray remains unused. The dealer-supplied Panasonic cassette radio is in place along with the original Pioneer speakers. Other items such as the gear knob, steering wheel, and handbrake all retain a nice matte texture. Within the boot area, the parcel shelf is still present and compete along with the jack and spare wheel, which are also in excellent original condition.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Golf has always been in general service throughout its life and has been routinely maintained accordingly. Most recently, upon arrival at 4 Star, it received a health check, full service, cambelt change, and a fresh MOT. The car remains in fine mechanical fettle, ready to be enjoyed by the new owner.
Behind the wheel this particular example is a joy to drive, with everything still feeling tight and precise. The 1.8-litre engine is as zingy and free-revving as its reputation suggests, and the five-speed manual gearbox makes for an engaging and thrilling drive. As with the rest of the vehicle, the engine bay was protected with clear-coat wax from new, which is still evident on the inner-wings and bulkhead, all remaining corrosion-free.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The factory P-Slot alloy wheels are in excellent original condition, still in their first coat of paint with only a few minor imperfections. All the tyres are matching Pirelli; the fronts are nearly new and rears show only minimal wear. The spare P-Slot in the boot is unused with an original sticker still present on the tyre tread.
History File
This Golf GTI was first registered in April 1985; it sold to its first and only owner through the supplying dealer Lonsdale Garages Ltd. Amazingly, having had just one keeper from new this example comes with a large file of paperwork including some very tasty original documents such as the original and complete VAG document pack containing all manuals and booklets, a copy of Autocar from 1986 featuring a ‘10 years of the GTI’ article, a 1985 Golf sales brochure as well as the original sales invoice of £9,006 from Lonsdale Garages – a very nice piece of documentation to still have with the a car of this age.
Within the large History File you’ll find many old tax discs dating back to 1986, various SORN documents as well as almost every MOT certificate present from 1988 onwards, helping to verify the genuine mileage and maintenance history from new. There is also a large stack of invoices dating back to 1986 for service work and replacement parts throughout the years.
Since arriving at 4 Star we have carried out a vehicle inspection, full service, timing belt and tensioner replacement, fitted a new ignition coil, new boot struts, a new fuel pump, and given the car a fresh MOT. The Golf is now ready to be enjoyed by its lucky new owner.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/vw-golf-gti-mk2-for-sale/
1985 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £9995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Golf Model Version : GTI Mk2 Engine size : 1.8 Model Year : 1985 Location : Hampshire
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About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.