This one was registered in 1987 and came in Rivage blue with a black interior, a 1.8 GTi engine and a 5 speed manual gearbox, all of which it sports today. In 2015-2017 it was restored with an engine rebuild, body work sorted out with a respray and a new mohair hood fitted. At this time, the owner decided to fit the later styled Karmann body kit and rare, restored Estoril rims The floor pan was waxoyled and sealed and the brake lines etc recommissioned.

Mechanically, this car is now as good as I can get it. The engine was strong anyway - these old GTi's are rapid and easily keep up with modern traffic, but now benefits from a reconditioned gearbox, new clutch, new shift linkage and a stainless steel exhaust. I also had new brake lines and other sundries fitted to bring it up to the standard I expect / want. Invoices and receipts for £1000's for all the items and work done are provided. It now drives, handles and stops like a MK1 GTi should, although don't expect this to drive like a modern car - its over 30 years old, so no power steering and brakes which need a firm foot.

The bodywork remains in excellent condition although there are some very small stone chips here and there from summer usage. There's also a small amount of corrosion on the passenger side wing around the aerial mount and side repeater (visible in the pictures), which was there when I bought it and hasn't worsened as the car is dry stored. Otherwise the paint is super clean and really pops in the sunshine. The engine bay is extremely clean too with no oil or gunk around, as is the boot area and the spare wheel well.

This car has a manual roof which operates perfectly and the locking mechanism works as it should. The mohair hood was professionally fitted when the car was restored and is totally water tight. The headlining is the original one and is rip / tear free. The original tonneau cover is supplied with the car and there is a fitted all weather cover to store it in and protect the paint (we use it indoors, but its really an outdoor item).

The interior is original and is getting a little worn now as everything is over 30 years old. However, the originality means that you can excuse the wear and tear - the drivers seat has lost some of the vinyl coating in one area, the carpet's getting a bit thin and the dash rattles a bit. However, I'm too fussy about these things and you don't notice them when your heading out to a country pub with your sun glasses on, music playing and the suns shining down.

There's an electric aerial (very luxurious in the '80's) and a period looking Becker Traffic Pro High speed head unit fitted with GPS, although it cant read the map CD anymore - its fixable but the maps are ancient and no longer available, so its better to use your phone to be honest! I fitted a blue tooth module to the Becker (unreal right!) and  you can stream music from your phone as well as play the FM radio. I have also fitted a micro amp (installed under the dash) to feed some upgraded door and rear speakers, as well as a under seat subwoofer to improve the sound. This means that you really can have the top down and the tunes up without it sounding like a 1950's transistor radio. It's not noisy or annoying either - Its just right.

And that sums up this little car actually - its just right. It's more than good enough to put in your local classic car show and pick up a prize. It's more than good enough to use regularly with absolutely no fear of it not starting or breaking down and it will raise smiles and admiring looks wherever it goes  Its not concourse and therefore its very usable.

To make sure the new owner has 100% confidence its just been serviced and come with 12 MONTHS MOT and NO ADVISORIES.

We're really sad to see it go, but it's time for a change. We want to make sure that the new owner is the right one and we're in no rush to sell. 

Priced sensibly at £8500 ONO. Happy to answer all questions and any inspection, but please -  only serious buyers need apply.