MK1 Golf GTI

Hi I've been in the background for a couple of years now considering all things MK1 Golf GTI. I've looked at projects, really rough cars and even considered buying one or two off eBay.  

Thanks to this forum, and after speaking with RetroShack I've steered away from a lot of things because it seems much more sensible to try and buy something that's been looked after rather than buy something that needs a bare metal job. With all of this said I'm finding it incredibly difficult to find anything that seems straight and that also has bit of history. I'm asking you lovely fellow members for some help really.

I've got a healthy, but not a Campaign' budget and wanted to ask what I should look for? Does anyone know if anything that might be for sale? I'm after a tin top and not a convertible so if you can steer me in the right direction and help me to achieve my long term dream of owning a MK1 GTI then I would be incredibly grateful.

Are you looking for tiptop or cabby?  How much are you wanting to spend. Do you really require gti?
There's quite a few cars out there..

Kenneth Cartwright said

Are you looking for tiptop or cabby?  How much are you wanting to spend. Do you really require gti?
There's quite a few cars out there..

Says in the post tin top not cabriolet early start mate feeding duty

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Your budget needs to be somewhere between £7-£12k ish I would estimate for something in a reasonable condition but still needing elements to be improved upon.

If you are below this then your in pot luck or worse territory.


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Backinblack said

Your budget needs to be somewhere between £7-£12k ish I would estimate for something in a reasonable condition but still needing elements to be improved upon.

If you are below this then your in pot luck or worse territory.


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That's exactly my budget but difficult to find one. I thought I found a really nice one that has had a resto in 2015 but I've found out the car is a Cat C.

Kenneth Cartwright said

Are you looking for tiptop or cabby?  How much are you wanting to spend. Do you really require gti?
There's quite a few cars out there..

Yes tin top, and I want a GTI to be honest. 
My budget is 10-12k so fairly healthy.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1982-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-MK1-GTI-1-6-UNFINISHED-RESTORATION-/265203065926?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-Mk1-GTI-original-Tintop-8v-/194201216337?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-mk1-78-swallowtail-/174810249940?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mk1-golf-1-5gl-auto-/164914120470?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

Kenneth Cartwright said

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1982-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-MK1-GTI-1-6-UNFINISHED-RESTORATION-/265203065926?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-Mk1-GTI-original-Tintop-8v-/194201216337?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-mk1-78-swallowtail-/174810249940?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mk1-golf-1-5gl-auto-/164914120470?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

The first one doesn't show a registration, which always makes me suspicious.

The other two aren't GTI's, however the one done by DubShed is lovely. It's just a little far away for me as I'm in Devon.

Thank you

The 78 ISN'T a swallowtail…..but is described as one…..hmmmmm

paul_c said

The 78 ISN'T a swallowtail…..but is described as one…..hmmmmm

And is it me or is the back 1/2 of the car a different shade to the front…?

Its a good example of the issues the OP is facing. The car is heavily modified, some of which are difficult or impossible to reverse. Its unfinished with some problems which would need resolving to use it. And its spent the last 5 years with very few miles put on - so probably suffering a little from being stored and not used.

I am sure some people do mods really well, but normally they are done with not quite the quality that those aiming for originality achieve. The question mark over the paintwork would prompt the question, has the corrosion/bodywork been meticulously done to prevent future problems? Scotland is a long way to go and see the car and find out there's issues with the paintwork too (unless you happen to live nearby).

I'd avoid that 'swallowtail' 😂😂

I have seen this but difficult to know how much recommissioning works required when a car has been stood for 5 years.

1981 VW GOLF MK1 GTI For Sale

Thoughts on this one then. Top money for a non original car.  

VW MK1 Golf GTI Only one previous owner

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-MK1-Golf-GTI-Only-one-previous-owner-/114845202214?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286


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Backinblack said

Thoughts on this one then. Top money for a non original car.  

VW MK1 Golf GTI Only one previous owner

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-MK1-Golf-GTI-Only-one-previous-owner-/114845202214?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286


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That was my thought, and it's a lot of money for something where you don't love the colour….although I'd be happy to have it if cheaper 😂

It’s my favourite colour. But a little over
Priced


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I love it when people end a advert by saying no test pilots……like you would with a Mk1 Golf for £16k.

What about this one: 1981 VW GOLF MK1 GTI For Sale

Backinblack said

Thoughts on this one then. Top money for a non original car.  

VW MK1 Golf GTI Only one previous owner

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-MK1-Golf-GTI-Only-one-previous-owner-/114845202214?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286


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I really like those wheels. That's what I'd have on mine if I had the money.

Mk1 GTI PB said

I love it when people end a advert by saying no test pilots……like you would with a Mk1 Golf for £16k.

What about this one: 1981 VW GOLF MK1 GTI For Sale

I didn't think the black cars came with red seats..front spoiler doesn't look original either. That said, it looks pretty good. In terms of recommisioning, it could be a simple fluid and belt change, but could run to fuel system if the tank has had fuel in it, and possibly some of the seals may have dried up a bit. If you are willing to get your hands dirty then nothing impossible.

paul_c said

The 78 ISN'T a swallowtail…..but is described as one…..hmmmmm

There is a note added to say he'd got that wrong.