Golf gti versus all the other Mk1's

Hi,
I'm still relatively new to the Golf world so I still have lots of questions to be answered. Today's question is regarding the number of Gti's that were produced compared to all the other models? The reason I ask is that in a recent search on a well known website there were 33 Mk1 Golfs for sale and all but 2 of them were Gti's, I'm sure this must be out of kilter with the production numbers and can only think of three possible explanations, the first is that Gti's are so bad people buy them and then want to get rid of them as soon as possible - I don't think this is plausible. The second is that Gti's being sought after are more often looked after and survive in greater numbers - Possible but the ratio is huge. Third is that a lot of Gti's out there are not real Gti's but clones created from base models for profit or vanity. I suppose there is a fourth possibility that includes a mixture of the other three. What is the general consensus?
 

Think by the end of MK1 production and in periods of the MK2 the GTI made 20-25% of UK sales, we do like expensive german cars. No idea what total production ratios would be though.

Your 1st point, Golfs are now a scratch to be itched for many and so are bought and sold esp Cabrios after a summer or two.

Think your second point is the main reason, back in the day no one saved a worthless15yr rusty somkey 1.5 GL or 1.1.C but GTIs were desirable and had some value so got repaired or sold to someone that would. Same applies to fast Fords and Peugoet GTIs

Your third point has some weight as many non GTis ended up with a GTI (or even a later 20v turbo etc) fitted as a 'cheaper' way of aquiring a GTI.

Your first comment strikes a chord with me as I also have 2 Mercedes.

I think the case with any manufacturer, when they produce something that is a bit special it becomes desirable, although some cars maybe not. . But GTI's are more desirable than say a 1.1 and  have that nostalgia as the 1st hot hatch, ihence worth more money and knock on effect is that they are worth spending money on to keep them on the road. It's a shame really that the other mk1's are not so thought of and most likely rarer now than a GTI but unfortunately not that wanted. 

I'm with Early-1800 on your second point. About 20 years ago I couldn't give away a 1.5 GL with 40 thou on the clock, but Gti's were still selling albeit not at todays values.