1991 Volkswagen Golf GTi 16 Valve

As far as classic cars go (and strictly ‘modern classics’), the Mk2 Golf GTI is right there up with some of the best cars from the era. This example here is a 1991 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V. It has three former keepers (including the vendor) but only a limited exposure to the UK weather. That’s because it was in dry storage for more than a decade. It was marked a Cat-C car, following which one of the previous owners bought it back from the insurance firm and repaired it to a visibly decent standard.

The vendor might’ve not had an involvement in the original repair, but he’s spent a considerable amount to ensure that the car is ready to be picked up and driven by its new owner. You’ll find more details about its history in the corresponding section below. It’s cleared its latest MoT, is running on fresh tyres, and as can be seen in the photos (even in close-ups), it’s braved the last three decades rather well.

Another thing that works hugely in its favour is that the car is largely stock. This means while not exactly a time-capsule example, it’ll still give you a great sense of how VWs from the era must’ve been. And safe to say, to enjoy a car like that in 2021 is nothing but a privilege.

The difference between the Giugiaro-designed Mk1, which went on to achieve legendary status soon after its launch, and the more polished and modern Mk2 isn’t huge. But you don’t need to have a trained eye to spot the visual changes made to the car in comparison to its predecessor.

Prominent bits on this Mk2 version include quad headlamps, five doors, and a more aerodynamic body (with a substantially low coefficient of drag, in comparison to the Mk1 car). The later, big bumper example like this one is one of the most coveted of its kind, and as can be seen, it works rather well. And who can ignore the immaculate BBS cross-spoke alloys!

The actual condition of the bodywork shows that the car has been used well for those 85k+ miles. There are age-related marks on the outside, and while honest, this won’t win any prizes for having the cleanest, museum-quality exterior. None of that means it doesn’t look good, even after three decades of leaving the VW dealership. The damaged parts, that is the front offside door and wing, were replaced by one of the earlier owners. Overall there’s no surface rust, adds the vendor.

What’s worth noting here is that the Mk2 was designed to last. The cabin might look a touch too basic for modern needs, but it was way more practical (than before), had a lot of space, and even after years of use, wouldn’t give away its age.

It’s not short of things that matter: well-bolstered seats offer good support, the instrument cluster is legible, and most switches and knobs are well within reach from the driver’s seat.

This 1991 example ticks two important boxes when it comes to the Mk2. The interior is largely clean and devoid of the kind of paraphernalia which a lot of owners would put to make their car cool. Secondly, it seems honest: the interior does show its age, and the headliner has been recently repaired, but other parts look original.

The seats look clean, the dashboard has also benefited from being in dry storage, and the whole interior itself looks fresh and not as tired as one would expect from a car of this age.

It has a fairly roomy cabin and the glasshouse is also more in line with modern cars, as towards the latter half of the 80s, the Mk2 lost its quarter-lights. The car has a manual sunroof and functional electric windows, its door cards look to be in good shape, and the usable and large boot is clean, too. It gets a space-saver spare wheel, which in turn ensures that the boot space isn’t compromised. The dashboard is missing its radio, though.

Riding on a front-wheel-drive platform, the Mk2 was (and still is) one of the most enjoyable cars with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. It did lose out on some of the steering feel from its predecessor, but it remained pleasing nevertheless. When launched, the Mk2 retained the 1.8-litre petrol engine, but the power figures didn’t quite match the added weight, until the 16V model was introduced. Critics say the 8V was easier to drive since one didn’t need to rev as much, but with improved power from the 16V (and the other more powerful and better-equipped models which followed), the Mk2 pretty much made sure that it was acknowledged by enthusiasts.

Even today, a sub-8-second time to hit 60 mph from a standstill doesn’t sound slow at all. To accommodate the added pace, the gearbox was modified, too. Apart from other badges and tell-tale inclusions, the car was given better brakes (discs on all four wheels), updated suspension, and it was lowered a touch, too.

The vendor says that the car has had no structural damage, the floorpan is all original and rust-free. The latter, he continues, is because this Mk2, as mentioned earlier, was dry stored for 11 years, saving itself from the potential deterioration that the UK weather could’ve caused. It drives well, although while he’s got a major service done, he hasn’t been able to use the car much. It’s currently on new Dunlop tyres. The only visible weld is the front jacking point, mentions the vendor.

Our quick driving observations are that it did struggle a little bit to idle, and had to double de-clutch for the second gear until the car’s warm. The Euroflo exhaust has a slight rattle but it sounds great.

Registered on March 1, 1991, the Mk2 Golf GTI is a 16V, big-bumper version. It’s currently with its third owner, who bought the car last year, spent about £2,500 on various bits to ensure that it’s in good shape. It now has new tyres, starter motor, cam belt, cleaned injectors, brake lines, etc.

As can be seen in the included paperwork, this Golf GTI was salvaged and as the vendor mentions its front offside door and wing were replaced. It was classified as Category C in ’07 and ’09. After being stored for 11 years or so, the car was brought back to the road only last year. This can be verified with its MoT status as well. The current MoT is valid till October 2021; it cleared with just one advisory.

As one of the most popular hot hatches of its time, the Golf GTI Mk2 has been on the wish list of many enthusiasts. At an expected £7,000 - £10,000, this example can be a good way to realise that dream. It’s largely original, has had a major service and some essential components repaired and replaced, and is said to drive well, too. It might not be the cleanest example around, but even without an extensive restoration, the car appears to have stood the test of time (and weather) well. And look at that nice, little 16V badge (on the grille, wings, rear, and even inside) and say that you don’t want one? Can’t quite say that now, can you!

Viewing is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and as stated this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.