1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V |

Sold

1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V

Sold Price

£8,745

Mileage149,024 on the clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationFleet

SOLD

1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

The most elegant and complete hot hatch of its day and a true icon of the '80s, the Volkswagen Golf GTI symbolises everything one would need in a car.

By the time the twin-cam 16V GTI model made an appearance in 1985, its reputation for build quality, reliability and the absolute excellence of engineering placed it as one of the most desirable cars within its price bracket. This hardiness and durability has meant that a fair number have survived the decades and continue to serve its loyal following until today.

This 1990 example is a subtly modified example of the 16V GTI. It has seen a series of upgrades that not only enhance the car's natural abilities but also allow it to be close to the perfect modern classic. Amongst others, the car had a substantial running gear overhaul, including an upgraded engine (Mk3 GTI 2.0L bottom end), 2Y gearbox with lightened flywheel and clutch replacement, overhauled brakes and suspension, as well as careful attention to the electrics. With a good service history and a file full of paperwork, we really like this smartly presented Golf GTI - it is a rather nifty modern classic, with excellent parts availability, capable of dealing with modern conditions.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Jon the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

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.

Secure Auctions

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

This 1990 model is arguably the nicest example I've ever driven, so good it's actually featured in film production too.

Having owned several MK2 Golfs in the past, Jon has the ideal credentials a buyer might look for in a seller, offering attention to detail and knowledge that cannot fail to impress. His motivation is to find project cars and bring them up to an acceptable standard.

This garage stored car has been used regularly, with occasional trips with the family to Suffolk, London Cartel meets as well as the occasional club sports track day. Having owned this car for 8 years, he has since bought a track day orientated 3 door GTI which will be his primary focus for attention and has therefore decided to pass this car on. As Jon mentioned, the car will also appear on a Channel 4 police drama "Deceit" in the next few coming weeks, as a vehicle for the main character, celebrity status awaits! Jon will be happy to answer any questions you have about the car in the comments section below.

Jon

Vehicle Owner

Jon saved £1,440* when they
sold their VW with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Instantly recognisable, the GTI is a lesson in taste and understatement.

Wheels and Tyres

The Michelin Pilot Sport tyres have been specifically fitted to the car as they go some way to help complement the engine's handling. They all date from 2018 and look in very good condition with good tread.

The BBS alloys show minor signs of rim wear and would benefit from a good clean but are in presentable condition. We are informed that the centre caps are new. Please review further details in the photo and video gallery.

Bodywork

The body presents in good condition, with even panel gaps. The structure also tells the same story, with the engine bay, inner wings, sills and boot well looking to be in solid order. The jacking points were cut out and replaced in 2013.

The underside is in good health, but the owner has pointed out that the rear section despite not being flagged up as an advisory on the MOT, will need the undersealing stripped back and resealed, with possible repairs needed to the back arches.

On closer inspection, the body shows a small handful of corrosion spots, most noticeably on the near-side front door corner and a little around the top of the off-side A-pillar post. There are a handful of minor dents observed too and the steel sunroof is slightly uneven but leak-free. Please see the photos and videos for a detailed view.

Paint

Overall, the paint retains a decent gloss but some panels would benefit from some attention, most notably on the top section of the drivers door. Jon believes the car will have been resprayed sometime in the past, with some of the flatter areas showing age-related blemishes and minor issues with the lacquer.

The car doesn't have any significant road chips or door edge damage. We have captured an extensive gallery of external shots for you to review.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks in good condition, with no cracks or chips noted. The boot glass has light scoring. The glass rubbers appear solid, with no issues with the door seal trims.

The bumpers look to be in good shape and only show light wear. The boot window surround sticker shows minor damage but is an easy fix. The rubber trim is generally in good order and well fitted.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The use of quality materials cushions you from the outside world.

Seats and Carpets

The front seats are pleasingly firm, having seen refurbishment with replaced back rests and base sponges. The fabric presents in good condition, with no significant marks or wear noticed.

The carpets are in good condition, with VW mats in place. The boot carpet is good, with the addition of the earlier type rear arch carpet fitted on top of the originals. One thing to note is that the headlining would benefit from some attention.

As always, a full gallery of photos and a high resolution video is included in the interior media pack for you.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents well - no cracks or wear with just the smallest signs of age.

The car has an aftermarket Sony system, MAC audio, along with a 6 speaker set up (JBL/Pioneer), which also include a pair of rare and desirable Audioscape door pods in the front doors.

The hot air blower and heater matrix have been replaced, with all of the controls, including the electric windows (all with original VW electric motors) all in good working order. The MFA digital display unit has been renewed and displays in a crystal clear fashion. The dials and switchgear are in good condition.

Please review further images to appreciate the interior detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel has been subject to a refurbishment and presents in very good condition, with no evidence of its age. The gearstick has a little wear as you'd expect given the mileage on the car.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Jon took great care to maintain the car so it drives as brilliantly as it did when new.

Engine and Gearbox

Jon has carried out a significant amount of work on the engine over the 8 years of ownership, with the main highlight being the 2.0L Mk3 GTI bottom end to give this car extra power. Other works include; a new rocker cover gasket, oil cooler, heritage radiator, Samco hoses, engine mount as well as a replacement timing belt, housing for the power steering and most recently new wiring to resolve a cold starting idle issue.

The gear linkages have also been renewed, fitted with lightened flywheel via Gas 'N Gears from Bridgend and the gearbox has been replaced too with an original 2Y unit. The exhaust back box is an original VW item, with an aftermarket 4-branch manifold installed.

The car has no issues with starting, runs very well and idles without any issues. There were no worrying noises coming from the engine, and all felt tight and smooth. No leaks were observed. As a further note to Jons attention to detail, the fuel-air mixture still has its alum key adjuster, which is a feature worth pointing out as so many Golfs have lost them.

Suspension and Brakes

Extensive work has been carried out on the suspension and brakes. The invoices detail the removal of the rear subframe to accommodate new bushes, with all-round new brake discs and pads, as well as the master cylinder, reconditioned front calipers and braided hosing installed. The car has been fitted with Koni dampers and Eibach springs.

The Drive

The car handles and drives well, with no signs of knocking from the steering or suspension. The car comes alive after 4,000RPM and once opened the car remains planted on the road.

Jon tells us that the gear change is slick, with no issues with the clutch. The car has seen a handful of track days, which if anything proves the efficient running of the cooling system, as the gauges do not suggest any issues.

Electrics and Other

The car has seen a few sensible upgrades to enable day to day running, including double relayed headlamps. The MFA LCD display control has been renewed and Jon assures us that it is in full working order as well as the fully functional electric windows that had the wiring renewed.

The boot comes complete with an unopened first aid kit and a warning triangle. When Jon purchased the car, the odometer wasn't working, and going over the history he believes this to be the case from 2006 - 2013, thereafter purchasing the car and rectifying the issue.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

Every upgrade and improvement has been carried out with confidence making it a neat modern classic.

The car comes with a good record of its history, with service stamps up to 2008. It remained unused for 5 years but was still taken for MOT tests. It has been continuously improved with new parts and upgrades, which are mentioned in the mechanical section.

The car had suffered a head gasket issue and it was taken on by the current owner in 2013, who upgraded the car to an ABF conversion, with the bottom end from a 2.0L MK3 Golf GTI 16V - effectively a KR 16V engine with an increased capacity. The idea was to give the car a little more power while retaining the general look and feel of the original engine. The recorded mileage of the engine is unknown, but runs well and has seen regular tune-ups and fettling in Jon's ownership, with the most recent service being carried out by VW specialists in January by The Phirm in Blackwater.

In addition to the engine work carried out by the current owner, there are a batch of invoices from the car's previous owner as well as stacks of previous MOTs and notes detailing historical expenses.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5C, HPi.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
15-12-2020	Service	148,692
02-10-2020	MOT	148,567
23-09-2019	MOT	147,150
20-09-2018	MOT	144,496
10-10-2017	MOT	140,882
24-09-2016	MOT	138,730
24-09-2015	MOT	136,214
27-09-2014	MOT	132,886
12-07-2014	Service	132,303
20-09-2013	MOT	132,133
11-03-2011	MOT	132,133
19-05-2009	MOT	132,133
19-05-2008	MOT	132,133
20-05-2008	Service	132,133
28-03-2007	MOT	132,132
28-03-2007	Service	132,132
20-04-2006	Service	132,132
20-04-2006	MOT	132,132
12-04-2005	Service	130,989
12-04-2005	MOT	130,981
30-04-2004	Service	125,777
19-04-2004	MOT	125,626
24-09-2003	Service	122,437
19-03-2003	MOT	120,207
18-09-2002	Service	118,006
13-04-2002	MOT	113,284
14-12-2001	Service	111,108
07-04-2001	MOT	106,652
19-04-2001	Service	106,802
06-09-2000	Service	103,096
15-04-2000	MOT	100,038
09-11-1999	Service	96,988
17-04-1999	MOT	92,299
23-02-1999	Service	91,363
18-04-1999	MOT	85,336
30-03-1998	Service	84,810
12-04-1997	MOT	76,316
08-02-1997	Service	74,807
13-04-1996	MOT	68,137
12-02-1996	Service	66,663
08-04-1995	MOT	59,318
26-01-1995	Service	57,969
25-04-1994	MOT	51,587
24-01-1994	Service	49,768
26-04-1993	MOT	43,758
18-11-1992	Service	40,734
30-03-1992	Service	29,851
28-10-1991	Service	20,925
13-03-1991	Service	15,093
20-12-1990	Service	10,860