After Volkswagen’s runaway success with the Golf MK1 (effectively creating the ‘hot hatch‘ sector) it was decided by the big-wigs at VW that an updated model was needed in order to keep the new competition at bay (by now the likes of Ford, Opel and Fiat had recognised the value of this new front-wheel drive hot hatch sector and were moving fast to eat into VW’s market share). In 1983 the MK2 VW Golf was introduced. VW’s updated model was so successful it was their highest volume seller for almost a decade. True to form, it wasn’t long before a “GTI Badged” version came to market. The achingly beautiful MK2 GTI was initially released with a lightly updated version of the 8-valve engine from the MK1 (before moving onto a more powerful 16-valve version in 1986). Some VW nuts argue the 8-valve power-plant is a sweeter, more predictable engine than the later unit… but that’s not an argument we want to start here!
Steve’s MK2 GTI is truly a thing to behold. GTI’s have always looks fantastic in black (with those tell-tale red details showing that it’s something a bit special). As you can see Steve clearly takes huge pride in this car – it’s absolutely immaculate and looks as if could have rolled off the factory floor last week. We caught up with Steve to find out more about his GTI, and learn a little of his story too!
Volkswagen Golf GTI MKII (8-valve)
Highlights
- Steve had always loved Golf GTI's and has owned many over the years
- He always kept his eye out for a low mileage GTI, and then he found this one!
- With just 76,000 original miles on the clock he didn't have a choice, despite the fact it needed some TLC, he had to buy it!
- This is one of the last MKII's off the line, so it has full leather interior as standard (a rare feature)
- Steve's done a load of work to the car to maintain it including new valves and seals on the engine, a full gearbox rebuild and brand new 'factory spec' suspension.
- Steve's determined to keep the car original (as there aren't many really original ones left now). The only modification he's done is a "Scorpion Exhaust" … who could blame him!
Interview with the owner
- When did you first purchase the car?I bought it in May 2015. I was keeping my eye out for a low mileage MKII when I spotted this for sale up in Aberdeen. With only 76,000 miles and a couple of folders of service history and receipts I managed to knock £500 of the asking price!
- What made you buy a Golf GTI MKII?I've always loved the GTI Golfs since my teens in the 80's! For me they were the best of the hot hatches. I've had a few Golfs over the years before I found this one. When I bought it, it needed a bit of welding around the door hinges and a track-rod end but otherwise it was basically good to go. I've spent the last five years doing a job every winter on it to get it into the condition it is now. This is one of the last MKII's off the line so it has full leather interior as standard. This is quite unusual. I just love hopping in it with the stereo blasting out some rave tunes and I am back in my happy place reminiscing about my youth!!
- What's it like to drive?It still drives very sweet as the engine has had valves, seals and gaskets redone. Gearbox has been rebuilt with a new clutch dropped in at same time and I have a full factory spec suspension set up on order from Germany so the ride will be as it was meant to be once that goes on. I have a mate at S&R Motors in Dundee who did his apprenticeship on these cars and there's not a thing he doesn't know or cant keep me right on for this motor!
- Do you know the current BHP?No I don't.NOTE: We checked, and we think it's probably around 110bhp!
- Has the car been restored / rebuilt?It was pretty rough when i first got it so its been a case of saving a few bob and doing a job a year on it.The engine was retuned and had valves, seals and gaskets redone in the first year after the welding around the hinges was sorted. Then next year was a rebuild of the gearbox and a new clutch. I then left her alone until I had enough tucked away to get the original BBS alloys refurbished this past winter and a set of new Toyo Proxes fitted! I also needed to do some work on the back door where a seam was going. Luckily I managed to find a clean door for £30 and had that sprayed to match. The only job outstanding on it now is to put a completely new 'factory original' suspension set up on it (probably in May) and that will sort it out as she rolls a bit at the moment as the current suspension is 30 years old and showing it's age! Once that's done, that will be me finished on her!
- Has the car been modified in any way?No, I'm really keen to keep her standard. The only thing I've done is fit a Scorpion Exhaust.
- Is the car a "keeper" or will you sell it one day?I'll take it to my grave!
- Ok final question – ignoring cost, and assuming you couldn’t go and sell it for profit… what’s your dream car and why?I'm saving to get an Audi Quattro. The 1980s Quattros were just awesome and back in the day I could never afford to buy, insure or run one! But the dream is to get one to go alongside my GTI and keep her company!
Love it – best colour for these is black! Amazing job Steve.
Agree love this ! Nice one Steve !