1986 Volkswagen Golf 1.8 GTi Convertible 8V by 'GTi Engineering'

• One of the few remaining examples of a GTi Mk1 Cabriolet fitted with a ‘GTi Engineering’ '1800 Plus Pac' conversion
• Based on a later1986 model, as by 1985, VW had adopted the GTi nomenclature for the Cabriolet, fitting it with the larger 1.8-litre GTi engine and better sports seats
• GTi Engineering was founded in 1978 by Richard Lloyd, who in the late 1970s successfully raced a Golf GTi, whilst also running VW GB's highly successful racing programme
• From its inception, GTi Engineering's primary role was the research, development, production and fitting of road-going sports conversions for Volkswagen and Audi cars
• In 1982, GTi Engineering were appointed Official Audi Volkswagen Conversion Specialists

'GTi Engineering' was founded in 1978 by Richard Lloyd, who was, at that time, racing a Golf GTi as well as running Volkswagen GB Ltd's highly successful racing programme which resulted in a hat-trick of British Saloon Car Championship class wins of 1977, 1978 and 1979. These much publicised competition victories contributed very significantly to the successful launch of the Golf GTi in Britain.

From it's inception, GTi Engineering's primary role was the research, development, production and fitting of road-going sports conversions for Volkswagen and Audi cars. These conversions were of course complemented by an impressive range of race-bred performance parts and accessories including suspension, braking, transmission, steering, interior and styling conversions, all of which had evolved over the years and, like the engine conversions, continued to be extended and updated. During the late 80s, a team of twenty proficient staff handled the day-to-day business at the company's headquarters at the Silverstone racing circuit.

Following its UK launch at the end of the seventies, the Golf GTi was quickly singled out as a cult car - a status it still enjoys today. As a result it has attracted a great deal of special attention from the public and media alike. Keen to foster this special image, VAG recognised that, as a 'high profile' company specialising in the marque, with an enviable record in track events and led by an extremely able engineering team, GTi Engineering could do much to maintain and promote interest in this unique car. So in 1982, GTi Engineering were appointed Official Audi Volkswagen Conversion Specialists. Being only twelve miles from the Milton Keynes VAG headquarters they were able to benefit from a mutual exchange of technical information which enabled them to develop modifications very soon after a new model release or sometimes before it's official UK launch.

The car presented here is a 1986 VW Golf Mk1 Cabriolet GTi 1.8-litre which has been endowed with an '1800 Plus Pac' conversion done by Richard's Lloyd's team. This thorough conversion (as documented on the GTi Engineering chassis plate) consists of (as we understand it) a gas-flowed cylinder head, a gas-flowed inlet and exhaust manifold, 40mm inlet valves with improved underhead profiles, 33mm exhaust valves with improved underhead profiles, sports camshaft and a modified distributor. 

Recently discovered languishing somewhat in a garage, it has survived intact, in lovely original condition, with an indicated 49,000 miles. Treated to a new roof, tyres, brakes and leather interior, this rare 1980s icon is ready to be enjoyed. Made all that much more interesting with the GTi Engineering conversion, their workmanship makes this a proper sports car with surprising performance.