Mk1 GTI - Scrap or restore?

I was just about to take advantage of the new legislation for end of life vehicles (See BBC NEWS | Europe | Old cars scrapped free of charge ) when I found this website and wondered if instead I should offer it for restoration. It is a black, X-reg, 1.6, Mk1 GTI with 182000 miles and it has been laid up in the garage for nearly 10yrs. I had always intended resoring it myself, but there have been other pressures on funds and time…  One wing, a sill and the tailgate all needed replacing then and maybe more by now. The engine ran beautifully when it was last used and the gearbox was rebuilt at about 130000 miles.

Would need collecting from Redhill in Surrey if anyone's interested.

PS. This is what it *used* to look like…

Does it go?

Welcome to the MK1 owners club BTW!

Pricie

I started it every week after I laid it up, but after a while the battery gave up so it hasn't been run for over 9 yrs.

Hello,

do you have anymore details? not sure if im interested or not yet! but i live very close to you, in Coulsdon!

Regards James Flashman

Hello,

do you have anymore details? not sure if im interested or not yet! but i live very close to you, in Coulsdon!

Regards James Flashman

JFlash, what do you want to know?

hello Wiggers,

basically whats wrong with it as far as you know? I guess mainly body rust and decay, if the mechanicals are ok? It looks pretty nice and original in the old pic! and plus iv always wanted a GTI! Mite be just what im after.

Regards James

It has 4 flat tyres…  ;-)

My main concern when I stopped using it was that the last time I tried jacking up the front nearside the sill 'gave' noticably. There was also a problem engaging first gear, but I understand that was just wear in the linkage. It was fine if you went across towards reverse a bit first! The offside wing has a lot of rust at the bonnet edge and the tailgate is somewhat lacey!

I have no experience with restoration or what would be required to get this running again so can't really comment on what else would be needed. I've not really inspected it for a while either as I was thinking about scrapping it to regain the space in the garage. I have a sheaf of paperwork for it, so if you want to pop down this w/e and have a look you'd be welcome. Send me your email by PM and I'll give you my address.

you have pm