1983 Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk I

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) made for 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.

This 1982 GTi boasts the larger 1.8-litre engine and is finished in the best colour combination of black with grey striped cloth interior. The car has been subject to a ground up restoration including bare metal (glass out) respray, an engine and gear box rebuild, new brakes, suspension, wheels and tyres. The vendor describes the car as simply outstanding throughout and there is a large history file detailing expenditure. The Mk I Golf GTi is simply an icon of retro motoring and prices have been consistently rising for sound examples, which are becoming harder to find.