1981 Volkswagen Golf GTi

Brace yourself for this one – this 1981 Mk1 Golf GTI is sure to draw attention from Volkswagen enthusiasts and collectors far and wide, all eager to take part in the auction for this stunning example. And yes – it's a one-owner car. You read that correctly. What’s more, it’s covered just 31,801 miles from new – and yes, you read that bit right too.

Not only is the car exceptionally low mileage with single ownership, but it also comes in the special-order colour of Inari Silver. Although it may appear light green to some, this is indeed the correct and original colour, adding even more to its desirability.

The car has been in dry storage since 1988, where it remained untouched for 36 years until its reawakening in 2024. Upon its return to the road, the GTI underwent a full recommissioning, including a new battery, a service, and a cambelt replacement. It then sailed through an MoT with no advisories.

Well, doesn’t it look stunning! Not the usual colour for a Golf GTI, but it’s certainly one that stands out as something that extra bit special.

Starting at the front, the iconic red-stripe four-light grille is in good condition, as are the headlights and spotlights. The bumper also features the red stripe; this has come off in a couple of places but could easily be touched in. There are some light stone chips on the front of the bonnet, in keeping with the low 31,801 miles – so, in reality, not very many. Both indicators are free from damage, as is the lower GTI deep spoiler.

Around to the sides, the swage trim is nice and straight with no damage, as are the lower door mouldings. The wheelarch trims are all excellent and, being original, still have the heavy texture – unlike the replacement parts available today. All of the windows are tinted, believed to have been an optional extra at the time. These are in good condition, as are the seals, thanks to careful storage over the past 36 years. There is one small pin ding in the roof which we spotted, but a reputable paintless dent removal specialist should be able to rectify this if desired. Also fitted is a factory sliding sunroof which operates correctly.

The iconic rear end looks as good as it did in 1981. All of the badges are in place with a good finish, and there is no damage to the light lenses. The three-piece roof spoiler sits nice and straight with no warping.

The cross-spoke 14-inch Ceres TYP-30A wheels are in very good condition with just a few minor age-related marks. The tyres are a matching set of 185/60/R14 BFGoodrich 60H, all with a good amount of tread remaining.

Open the door, sit yourself behind the four-button GTI steering wheel, and welcome to 1981. The red-striped seats are in excellent condition, with no real signs of wear or damage to the bolsters. The rear seat and door cards are also in excellent condition.

The dashboard is free from damage, and the red highlights around the instrument cluster and air vents are all in good condition. The instruments themselves are said to be working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 31,801 miles. All of the switchgear is in excellent condition and reportedly working with no issues. The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice the electric window switches also mounted to the dashboard. A Pioneer radio cassette player and cassette holder are fitted in the centre console, where there are also three auxiliary gauges showing oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltage.

As you can imagine with such low mileage, the carpets are excellent. A set of fitted mats are also in excellent condition. Inside the boot, the parcel shelf is intact with no damage, and the floor is spotless. It even has the fifth alloy spare wheel with a matching tyre and the Inarisilber Met L94A (Inari Silver Metallic) colour code sticker.

Fitted with the 1600cc engine and fuelled by the reliable Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, the GTI fires up without hesitation and runs with no issues. The Golf recently received a full service and a new timing belt during recommissioning, leaving it ready for its new custodian.

The five-speed gearbox makes for economical motoring, keeping the revs at a respectable level on motorway journeys. With 110bhp from the 1600cc engine and weighing in at less than 900kg, the power-to-weight ratio is a decent 119bhp per tonne, reaching 60mph in approximately nine seconds.

It’s the handling that helped make the original ‘hot hatch’ what it is – with go-kart-like agility, the GTI is nimble, and its light weight makes it easy to change direction, giving excellent response and connection with the road.

The brakes bring the Golf to a stop as expected. With discs at the front and rear drums, they work as they should, with no issues reported.

Looking underneath, the car was given a light coat (so as not to hide anything) of underseal several years ago before going into storage, and it still remains in good condition, with no obvious signs of surface corrosion to the floorpan or suspension components.

Spending so many years in storage means there isn’t a great amount of history present for the Golf. It was registered in the UK on 1st August 1981 and shows on the V5C that there have been 0 former keepers.

Two sets of keys are included, along with the service booklet which shows four service stamps. Some early MoT certificates are included, the last one being from the year it went into storage. The most recent certificate is valid until 25th March 2026 and passed with no advisories.

Finishing off the history file is an original sales brochure, a couple of VW/Audi-related magazines, and some brochures possibly picked up from a VW show back in the day.

What a car! The original, iconic ‘hot hatch’, ordered in special Inari Silver Metallic paintwork, this example has been superbly preserved for the past 36 years and finally allowed to see the light of day in 2024, where it was recommissioned and given the all-clear, ready for use with a clear MoT.

Original cars like this are few and far between, making them extremely desirable. A real find for any Volkswagen enthusiast or collector wanting to add the original ‘hot hatch’ to their collection. This particular example, being so original and in a special-order colour, is estimated to fetch between £20,000–£30,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.