Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 1981
General description :
Model History
In 1974, half a dozen staff members at VW concocted a secret plan to develop a sporty version of the Golf. Initial prototypes soon emerged, including a vehicle with a carburettor engine generating 100PS. In early March 1975, the Sport Golf project was officially presented to Toni Schmücker, Chairman of the Board of Management, who gave it the green light. As a result, the clandestine Sport Golf officially became development order EA195. With its world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt looming, the project picked up speed and EA195 was finally paired with the right power unit – an injection engine generating 110PS.
VW showcased the Golf GTI and received an enthusiastic media response – everyone wanted one! In June 1976 the Golf GTI Mk1, priced at 13,850 German marks, was launched in Germany before going on to enjoy global success. The initial plan was to manufacture 5,000 units of this special product line to at least recoup the cost of development and the investment in production equipment. Amazingly, no one anticipated just how successful the GTI would be, and these 5,000 units eventually ended up as 461,690! This marked the first chapter in what remains the world’s most successful hot hatch.
Equipment
Solid black paintwork, Grey striped cloth seats with black leather bolsters, 5-speed manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels, Chin spoiler, GTI steering wheel, Golf ball gear knob, Additional gauges, Radio with USB connectivity, Cigarette lighter, Ash tray, Lockable glove compartment, Spare keys.
Exterior
The jet black paintwork presents in very nice condition with a good shine and only a few minor imperfections including a little bubbling on the drivers A-pillar and a small amount on the driver’s door. All the rubber seals and plastic wheel arch trims are in very good condition as is the front grill, chin spoiler, and plastic bumper ends; the rear bumper has the start of a small bubble on the offside rear corner. The underside is in good solid condition and has recently benefited from some welding repairs to the sills.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
The interior is a great place to be and remains in very nice order. The front and rear seats have had a full re-trim with the correct striped cloth to the centre sections, and the bolsters are finished in high quality leather. The dashboard, door cards and other plastic trims remain in excellent condition with no cracks or damage, and the headlining is also in great shape. The rear parcel shelf has started to sag a little and there is a small split in the boot area’s carpet.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The wheels have been upgraded to a set of 15-inch G60-style steels. They are in good condition overall with only a couple of minor curb marks, and further benefit from a new set of tyres fitted in November 2021. Reading through the paperwork it is evident that quite a lot of work has been done to the brakes; they have recently been checked and remain in fine working order, pulling the car up in a straight line.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The 1.6 motor fires into life on the first turn of the key, idles smoothly and feels strong out on the road. Opening the bonnet reveals a very tidy engine bay with no signs of structural corrosion or previous damage. Twelve years ago the engine was fully overhauled with new pistons, bearings, oil pump, cambelt kit, cylinder head overhaul, valve clearances and many re-powder coated parts. Reading through the paperwork following on from the engine rebuild it’s clear that the car has been well maintained and has only driven another 6k miles since.
History File
This example comes with a very comprehensive History File including the original VAG owner’s pack with all of the original manuals. The original service book is stamped up with the first six services taking the car to 30k miles. There is then a huge raft of service and parts invoices right up to the last inspection and maintenance work that was carried out in November 2021. Notable works include a new clutch in 2012 and a full engine overhaul in 2010.
To further verify the car’s low mileage of 75k there are plenty of MOT certificates, with the oldest dating back to 1988. There are also a few old tax discs, some documentation with regards to previous owner’s membership of the Mk1 Golf Owners Club, and a set of spare keys.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/vw-golf-gti-mk1-for-sale/
1981 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £18745.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Golf Model Version : GTI Mk1 Engine size : 1.6 Model Year : 1981 Sub type : Coupé 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.