Mk1 GTI or not?

Hello fellows from around the world! I'm now the proud owner of 2 mk1, i know one of them are a 1,6 Diesel from 81 - But i dont know if my other mk1 is a normal or a GTI 1,8 from 79.

Is there anyone who can help me with how to find out if its a real GTI or not? The serien no. is 1793235396

Jesper

Hi and welcome to the club first of all.  

Try this link it may help with decoding VIN numbers.   

http://www.cabby-info.com/vin.htm

Dont think the 1.8 gti was available in 79

The VIN decoder won't determine if its a GTI or not. What country is the car first registered in? Almost all GTIs have GTI on the V5, in the UK.

Apart from that, its looking at the car and identifying the various trim, mechanical and other bodywork differences which make up a GTI. For example, in no particular order:

black dash (if series 1) with rev counter
black headlining
red grille surround
rear anti-roll bar
slightly larger exhaust system diameter and back box etc
GTI badges front, rear; later cars would also have GTI on the 4 button steering wheel
golf ball gear knob
5 speed from (can't remeber the year) onwards
correct seats and trim
if not black car, black surround on rear hatch
wheels/suspension - but probably altered by now
correct engine
correct brackets in engine bay for fuel injection airbox, washer bottle on other side, etc
vented front discs (probably altered)
load compensating valve on hatchback

There's probably lots more I've missed.

Black (not grey) bumpers with no chrome trim
black side trims
deep 2 part front spoiler

etc etc

Hello, and thanks. I tried the HomePage but didnt help me. I have added a few pictures, maybe that Can hell solving the problem. Jesper

Clocks are from an 83 gti the other photos are not much help. 

I doubt it is a 1979 since the dashboard is a series 2 style. Looking at the 3rd pic, I am 95% sure the yellow is a respray because there's the blue behind, but can't be 100% sure. AFAIK neither colour are original GTI colours, but its possible the blue was a previous respray anyway.

Really need more details and pictures from my list, definitely including the engine bay.

You can determine the exact model year off the chassis number very easily, by the way.