Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1

From dream car to dream classic: this uniquely beautiful VW Golf GTI Mk1, the original hot hatch, has been cherished by true enthusiasts, which explains its immaculate condition. Both the interior and exterior are in stunning shape, and the car still sports its original paint! Its history is as complete as it is compelling: a 20-year-old petrolhead fulfilled his dream in 1996 by acquiring this hot hatch, contributing significantly to the exceptional condition of our dream classic. The GTI has since become a true cult icon, with the first generation evoking strong nostalgia in many in their 40s. Are you among them?

History
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 comes with an unexpected Italian connection. Did you know the GTI name was inspired by Gran Turismo Iniezione? “Iniezione” translates to “injection” and refers to the Bosch K-Jetronic injection system in the engine, originally developed for the Audi 80 GTE—another iconic abbreviation within the VW Group.
In September 1975, the manufacturer unveiled the Mark I, now seen as the original GTI and the pioneer of the hot hatchback segment. This specific car is a 3-door model, just as popular then as the 5-door models are now.
This example’s history tells us that it was sold in 1996 to a young Frenchman who cherished it until he was in his 40s. He adored the GTI as much as his spouse, but a divorce forced him to part ways with his beloved hot hatch after 20 years. The next lucky owner came along in 2016—a Dutchman with a second home in France, where he stumbled upon the GTI Mk1. They remained inseparable for 8 years, until Prins made an offer he couldn’t refuse…

Exterior
Yes, our Mark I is the original GTI, but no, it’s not from the very first series. Observant enthusiasts will already have spotted the larger rear light units, indicating this is the facelifted version of the original.
Series 1 or 2, it’s undeniably GTI, thanks to hallmark features like the black wheel arch trims, black roof spoiler, black rear window surround, and the iconic red trim on the front grille.
The single round headlamp units identify it as a classic Volkswagen Golf. The mentioned black elements and bumpers create a striking contrast against the pristine white bodywork, which remains in near-perfect condition. Most importantly, the paintwork is entirely original—a rarity these days.

Interior
The Golf GTI is pure cult status. Every subsequent generation (now up to the 8th!) has tried to live up to the legacy of the original. Some succeeded, but nothing beats the first.
All the characteristic styling elements, like the special seat patterns, originated with this first generation. While it doesn’t feature the checkered motif found in some models, it does have vibrant stripes in various shades of blue. This fresh design beautifully brightens the predominantly black cockpit.
From the angular dashboard to the iconic golf ball-style gear knob, every component and detail is fully intact—exactly as it should be in a genuine classic!

Performance & Technology
To rival the Beetle GSR and give Volkswagen a sportier image, the engineers created a high-performance version of the standard Golf. Mission accomplished: the GTI became a worldwide success story.
And it proved to be fast, too. This later model (1982–1983) delivers 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque, making it 2 hp and 13 Nm more powerful than earlier models (1976–1982). Notably, peak power is achieved at much lower RPMs than earlier versions, enhancing its drivability.

This speaks volumes about the usability of our GTI, which might just be as delightful a daily driver as today’s generation. Why not test it for yourself?

Kind regards,
team Prins