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
Royal Blue Metallic paintwork, Grey/red cloth upholstery, 15-inch BBS alloy wheels, Power steering, Manual sunroof, Becker CD player, Electric aerial, Lockable glove compartment, Digital clock, Ash tray, Cigar lighter, VW carpet mats, Heated rear window, Immobiliser, Alloy spare wheel, VW first aid kit, Tool kit, VW heritage certificate, Spare key.
Exterior
This lovely 5dr ‘big bumper’ example in Royal Blue Metallic presents in excellent condition. The paintwork retains a deep lustful shine with only a few small imperfections to report on very close inspection. There is no rust to be found in any of the common Mk2 weak spots and she’s nice and straight along both sides. All the bumpers, wheel arch trims, and rubbing strips are free from any scuffs or scrapes, and the lights are clear with no damage or moisture ingress. Free from any unsightly black underseal the underside is also in great shape, remaining very solid having never required any welding. All in all, a superb example of the fast-appreciating Mk2 GTI, looking every bit the low mileage of just 46k.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
The interior of this Mk2 is one of the best we’ve seen. The seats are in remarkable condition with absolutely no wear or repairs to the bolsters, and the dash and surrounding trims are also first-rate. The headlining is perfect with no sagging, and the carpets are well protected in the footwells by a set of tailored VW overmats. The rear seats appear to have never been sat in and the boot is also particularly tidy. Everything looks and feels just as it did leaving the factory back in 1991, the only upgrade over standard being a high quality Becker CD player and electric aerial.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
With only 46k miles under its belt the engine bay is clean and tidy, not overly dressed but in great original condition. Following on from a spell in dry storage, the car was lightly re-commissioned in 2019 with engine work including a cambelt change and water pump, a new radiator, alternator belt, and power steering belt. Additional work was carried out to the brakes and suspension, and a new exhaust was also fitted. The car has been serviced twice since then and comes freshly inspected by our trusted classic car workshop for the new keeper’s peace of mind.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The 15-inch BBS alloys are in perfect condition with absolutely no marking to speak of having previously been refurbished to a very high standard. They are shod in a matching set of Toyo Proxes T1-R tyres with 6mm of tread left at each corner. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition with all new discs, pads, and braided hoses fitted within the last 2k miles. Most recently the car benefits from new front shocks, rear wheel bearings, and a brake fluid change.
History File
This 5-door GTI was first registered in March 1991; it was supplied new by Dovercourt VW in London, and their original dealer sticker can still be found in the rear window. The car has now driven just 46k miles in the hands of only 4 registered keepers. The accompanying history file is complete with the original VAG document wallet, owner’s manuals, service booklet, a stack of VW/specialist invoices, a raft of old MOT certificates, and an original sales brochure from 1991. A VW heritage certificate is also present confirming the car’s build specification. An attractive low mileage example and a car we know well having sold it to the current owner.