1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI “Restomod”

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1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI “Restomod”

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Mileage~100,700 on the clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.8L 20v Turbo
LocationEtchingham, East Sussex

AUCTION CLOSED

1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI “Restomod”

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Introduction

Alan Stuart

Professional Consigner

We all love a hot hatch, but this Mk1 Golf GTI puts a new level of hot into hot hatch.

The Golf, which started life as a humble family hatchback, was launched in 1974. VW moved away from the rear-mounted, rear-wheel-drive layout that it was known for, instead opting for a front-engined, front-wheel-drive format. The GTI version of the Golf was first seen in 1975, with production starting in 1976.

The GTI was given a beefed-up body kit, with wider arches and the now-iconic red frame around the grille. It was originally fitted with a 1.8-litre engine producing ~108bhp, mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. Weighing in at only ~810kg, the GTI could reach 60mph in ~9.2 seconds – very quick in the '70s.

But… we’re no longer in the ’70s, and things have moved on – including this 1983 Golf GTI! Coming to market fresh from ~4 years with our vendor, the Golf has been taken into the future and fitted with a 1.8-litre 20-valve turbo engine from a Mk4 Golf GTI, the dashboard from a Lupo, seats from a Mk5 Golf GTI, brakes from a desirable G60, and a whole host of other parts from the VW range, which has helped create the ultimate Mk1 Golf GTI, plus it comes with a fresh MOT valid until 2nd October 2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Tim the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The Mk1 GTI was a lovely addition to my collection of ’90s hot hatches.

Tim already owned a Renault 5 GT Turbo and a Peugeot 205 GTI in his collection, so adding a Mk1 Golf GTI felt like completing the hot hatch set. The other two cars are totally OEM, and Tim was looking for something a little different – a car that combined the charm of the original with the sophistication of a modern performance hatch. When he saw this restomod, he knew it was the one. From the outside, it looks like a beautifully restored classic GTI, but beneath the surface, it’s been re-engineered with a level of thought and execution that Volkswagen themselves would be proud of.

The conversion was carried out several years ago by a previous keeper. Purchased by Tim four years ago, he has continued to improve on the already excellent restoration with his own touches and upgrades, with the idea being that it was going to be a forever car.

Sadly, following major spinal surgery last year, Tim has realised he can’t fully enjoy or maintain the cars to the standard they deserve, so it is time for someone else to enjoy this lovely, well-executed, resto-modded Mk1 Golf GTI.

Tim

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

It might look like a factory Golf GTI – but looks can be very deceiving.

Wheels and Tyres

Sitting pretty on a set of 15-inch ACT alloy wheels, these have been finished in body colour and are in excellent condition.

The Golf has Yokohama Parada Spec-2 tyres currently fitted all round, in a spec of 195/50R15, they are in good condition and have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the Golf GTI's exterior and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to assess their condition.

Bodywork

During the restoration carried out by the previous keeper, it is reported that many of the panels were replaced with genuine Volkswagen items. The panels appear to fit well with visually equal panel gaps. No dings or dents were spotted, and the factory sliding sunroof operates correctly.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in what's thought to be the original colour of 'Diamond Silver Metallic', the paintwork presents exceptionally well, with only a couple of small blemishes in the lacquer to point out, on the passenger door and passenger side A-pilar, also a small stone chip on the bonnet.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windows appear in good condition, with no excessive scratches noted.

The GTI retains the factory swage trim, the iconic two-stripe side GTI decals, the matt black boot decal, and the boot spoiler, which has been colour-coded.

The front and rear bumpers are in good order with no scratches, as are the wheel arch trims and lower front spoiler.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

You really wouldn’t expect to see a Lupo dashboard and Mk5 Golf GTI seats in a Mk1 Golf.

Seats and Carpets

Coming from a Mk5 Golf GTI, the grey/tartan-trimmed seats are a lovely addition to the Mk1. They fit well in the front and rear and show very little age, especially in high-wear areas such as the bolsters.

The carpets are in excellent condition throughout the cabin, and this continues into the boot area.

Dashboard

We mentioned it earlier – yes, you are seeing right. That is a Lupo dashboard squeezed into the Mk1, and what a fantastic fit it is!

The instruments and switchgear are all reported to be working correctly and in excellent condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is from a Lupo GTI and has been retrimmed by Royal Steering Wheels in leather with red stitching.

The gear lever has been lengthened to improve the ergonomics.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

John Mitchell Racing have installed a custom ECU to ensure the 20-valve turbo performs superbly.

Engine and Gearbox

The 1.8-litre 20-valve conversion appears to have been executed very well from an installation point of view, as everything fits nicely, just like it was meant to be there. John Mitchell Racing has improved the performance by remapping the ECU on a rolling road to eliminate turbo lag and deliver a nicely progressive power curve. All of this work is detailed in the history file, where a considerable amount of money was spent with John Mitchell Racing, bringing the Mk1 up to the high standard you see here.

The gearbox is the factory Mk4 GTI unit, and the car pulls well through the gears, which have a smooth change.

Suspension and Brakes

Commissioned by KW’s Heritage Division, the GTI is fitted with discreet black KW V3 suspension, which, as you probably know, is some of the best on the market. Coupled with uprated bushes and a dialled-in geometry setup, the car handles superbly.

Stopping the car comes from a VR6 OEM braking system and G60 discs and callipers.

The Drive

We asked Tim what the GTI is like to drive on the road, and it’s clear that he has really enjoyed driving this resto-modified classic VW.

“On the road, it’s hugely rewarding: the power delivery is smooth and strong, the suspension is adjustable for comfort or attack, and the car feels equally at home cruising to a show, attacking a B-road, or heading to a Goodwood track day. It draws attention wherever it goes – people are fascinated by the imagination and quality behind the re-engineering”.

Electrics and Other

The wiring has undergone some major upgrades, as you would expect with a complete engine/dashboard swap. This has only improved the car, with nice additions such as later-style switchgear, controls, stalks and even a Kenwood touchscreen head unit with a reversing camera.

Tim told us everything was in working order as far as he was aware.

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History and Paperwork

When carrying out a build of this nature it's probably a wise decision not to keep all of the invoices!

The history file is compiled with several invoices showing some of the parts purchased and work carried out over the years. Quite clearly, though, when you consider the amount of work and parts fitted, there will be a considerable number of invoices that the previous keeper did not save.

There are also some previous MOT certificates that date back several years. The most recent MOT is valid until 2nd October 2026, and it passed with no advisories.

Bringing a modern feel to a much-loved classic, Tim tells us that living with the car is fantastic. It has an OEM feel about it, with some nice creature comforts, excellent performance, and handling… what’s not to love about this modern take on one of the most desirable hot hatches ever made?

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.
Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If you have any questions — no matter how small — please ask the seller in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win, just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
03.10.2025	MOT	100,692
05.09.2024	MOT	100,558
08.08.2023	MOT	100,490
02.08.2022	MOT	99,741
18.08.2021	MOT	99,741
27.06.2019	MOT	99,194
01.06.2018	MOT	97,978
28.05.2005	MOT	106,033
28.05.2004	MOT	98,613
13.03.1997	MOT	97,645
23.11.1993	MOT	84,896
24.02.1992	MOT	71,691
25.02.1991	MOT	61,840

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Key Details

ModelGolf GTI
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date02.11.1983
CC1780
Mileage~100,700 on the clock
Interior ColourGrey/Tartan
Interior TrimFabric
Chassis #17EW093151
Engine #DX099166
MOTYes Exp: 02.10.2026
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers10
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned4 &ears
Key FeatureModifications
Vehicle RegistrationA535 GLP
Body TypeHatchback
Auction ID3231

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Etchingham, East Sussex

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : Tim

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

5 Comments

benwitchell

1 year ago

Hi Tim
I’ve just had a look at the Petrol Ped review. I’d be interested to know if any work has been done on the car since that review? For example to minimise turbo lag, torque steer etc.
Thanks
Ben.

Tim

Seller

benwitchell

1 year ago

Hi Ben. Yes Peter (who also reviewed my Lotus) drove the car before it went to John Mitchell Racing. If you look at the paperwork and in particular the JMR invoice and works narrative plus the rolling road printouts you will see that all of the works, including the new ECU were done after the review. For clarity, the ECU was a specialist build from New Zealand and was shipped to the UK where JMR completely rebuilt the entire map on a rolling road to produce a much more controlled power curve and also ensure the ECU wasn’t looking for things like ABS and traction control, et cetera. I can’t imagine that there is a faster Mk1 in the country, but as per the videos, the power delivery is now perfectly usable and controlled. Let me know if I can help you anymore. Test drives are of course welcome and can be arranged through the team at Trade Classics. Tim

benwitchell

Tim

1 year ago

Thanks Tim. Very helpful reply. Sounds great.
Cheers,
Ben.

Pharris

1 year ago

Hello Tim, is it possible to arrange a test drive?

Tim

Seller

Pharris

1 year ago

Yes of course, no problem at all. I think you need to contact the guys at Trade Classics and they will organised with me. Thanks Tim

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Vehicle Location

Etchingham, East Sussex

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