1979 Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1

Smartly presented in Mars Red with unmarked Black and White trim

Just one owner from new and 53,000 miles indicated

From 20 years hibernation. Fully recommissioned with all fluids changed

Fresh MoT prior to sale. Original book packs, two keys and good to go

Launched in 1974, the Golf represented a complete break with Volkswagen tradition yet it would prove as big a sales success as its Beetle predecessor. In GTi form the Golf has become one of the great icons of modern motoring, giving rise to an entirely new class of sporting saloon - the 'hot hatch' - in the process. First seen at the Frankfurt Show in September 1975, the GTi came with a 1.6-litre, fuel-injected, 110bhp engine which, in a car weighing a mere 846 kilos (1,861lbs) resulted in a performance package of a type not seen since the demise of the Mini Cooper 1275 S. Increasing competition from rival manufacturers prompted the introduction of a 1.8-litre GTi in 1982, and although maximum power increased only slightly to 114bhp there was a considerable improvement in mid-range acceleration.

DKU 709V was supplied on the 13th of November 1979 to its one and only owner, Mr John Mapletof of Sheffield, through the main dealer Guilders of Sheffield. This wonderful find is presented in Mars Red with a Black and White checked cloth trim. These early GTis are becoming extremely collectable with very few 1.6 variants available on the open market today making this 1.6 model very rare indeed. The Black roof was a factory option and the original dealer supplied number plates are still in place as are the original book pack and hand over documents.

The Golf was used by Mr Mapletof for a good few years then the decision was made to mothball the car for reasons unknown and that's where it remained for 20 plus years on axle stands in a proper storage facility. In 2018 the decision was taken to wake the GTi from its long hibernation and it went through a thorough recommissioning process, including all mechanical parts, the brakes were returned to good health, and fresh fluids were provided. The car will come to the sale with a fresh MOT and nicely detailed for its new custodian.