1987 | Volkswagen Golf II GTi 16V 1.8

The Volkswagen Golf GTi is an iconic hatchback that solidified its place in automotive history as a practical performance car. The Mk. II featured a 1.8-litre inline-four engine producing some 137 bhp with its 16-valve engine. While modest by modern standards, its lightweight design, precise five-speed manual transmission, and lively engine made it thrilling to drive. The GTi delivered sharp handling, thanks to a well-tuned suspension, front-wheel drive, and excellent weight distribution. Its compact dimensions made it nimble on twisty roads and a breeze to drive in urban environments. Visually the hallmark design elements of the GTi lineage: bold red accents on the grille, squared-off styling, and alloy wheels. Inside, the plaid-patterned sport seats and ergonomic layout underscored its driver-focused ethos. Practicality was another strong suit. The hatchback design provided ample cargo space, and its robust engineering made it dependable and relatively affordable to maintain.

First registered on 19th March 1987, this early Mk. II Volkswagen Golf GTi 16V is presented in Diamond Silver metallic over a striped, grey cloth interior. Specification highlights include 14-inch 'bottle top' alloy wheels, a manual sunroof, electric windows, central locking and a leather-bound steering wheel. Under the bonnet resides a free-revving 1.8-litre 16-valve engine producing around 137bhp through a five-speed manual transmission. This time-warp example boasts 65,261 warranted miles and has been cherished by the registered keeper for over thirty years. The accompanying history file shows that the car spent its first five years as a daily driver before retiring to life as a garage queen. Remarkably, the Golf has covered less than 3,000 miles since 1992, with some annual mileage increments being as little as seven miles (driving to and from the MoT test station). Apart from an after-market immobiliser and stainless-steel exhaust, the car appears of original specification including the Volkswagen-inscribed alloys and Blaupunkt radio cassette head unit. Everywhere you look on this Golf, things are clean, fresh and well-kept. Years of indoor storage have paid dividends in preserving the exterior as neither the plastic trim nor the lights show signs of fading to the degree that you would usually expect at this age. The paintwork is in excellent condition and the body panels appear original, flush and straight. The cabin is as good as you could hope for. The headlining was replaced a few years ago, whilst the seats and carpet appear in fine order without any tears. The engine bay, boot and undercarriage are in very good condition. The engine is strong and pulls impeccably and the gearbox operates well with smooth changes on all gears. This delightful Golf GTi benefits from a recent service and cambelt change (July 2023 at 65,189 miles) and is ready to be enjoyed. Supplied with the car are two sets of keys and a comprehensive history file dating back to the point of first registration to include the original owner handbooks and stamped service book. The Golf GTi became a beloved figure among enthusiasts for its blend of performance, style, and practicality. It helped establish the “hot hatch” genre, inspiring generations of sporty compact cars and earning its reputation as one of the greatest everyday performance vehicles of its era. Consigned by Stewart Banks

Lot details
Year: 1987
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Golf GTi Mk. II (16-valve)
Registration: D858 NKR
Chassis No: WVWZZZ19ZHW623079
Engine No: KR045772
Mileage: 65,264


* Last owner for over 30 years

* Very original time-warp condition

* MoT'd every year thus confirming the mileage