How Does It Drive?

The enduring brilliance of the Golf GTI’s hot-hatch template is its simplicity – take a regular small car, stiffen the suspension a bit, keep the weight down, pep up the engine and let rip. Suffice to say, the team behind the Sport Golf (as it was known during development) absolutely nailed it first time, and with a kerb weight of just 810kg the 110PS (81kW) of the original 1.6-litre, fuel-injected engine is absolutely plenty.

By modern standards the Mk1 Golf feels tiny as well, the superb visibility as confidence inspiring as the square-cut, wheel in each corner stance. While the later 1.8-litre engine has a couple more horsepower, and offers a bit more torque and flexibility, many purists actually prefer the 1.6 for its revvier nature and invitation to thrash it in the authentic hot-hatch driving style.

Drivers of more modern cars may find the non-assisted steering and the firm brake pressure necessitated by the convoluted pedal linkage on right-hand drive cars a bit of a shock but, overall, the Mk1 is as delightful to drive as it is easy.

What’s Good?

Those square-cut Giugiaro lines look as good now as they did back in the day, the wheelarch extensions and GTI trimmings giving the Golf just enough additional muscularity over the standard version to stand out. Details like the golf ball gear shifter and the checked cloth interior (created by VW’s first female designer, Gunhild Liljequist) are just the finishing feelgood touches.

The balance of size, power and weight are just perfect to enjoy even on modern roads, and indeed closely match the stats for the acclaimed Up! GTI of more recent times. In driveability terms there’s really little compromise here compared to more modern cars, crash protection and rustproofing the only real areas of concern. While parts availability can be a challenge the passionate VW scene also means a huge network of expertise and support for keeping a GTI running (or restoring it to its former glory) as well as ongoing demand for the good cars that survive. Values are only going one way, as a result.

What’s Bad?

Desirability is a double-edged sword, the fact for years Golf GTIs were cheap to buy and run meaning many will have been through periods of neglect, aftermarket modding, engine transplants, bodged repairs or dodgy maintenance.

So, while there may be a decent number around it’s going to take care to find a good one and an owner who has been willing to invest in the proper upkeep. While mechanically simple and tough it is, inevitably, bodywork that can make the difference between a car worth investing in and one you should run from, the many rust traps within that iconic shape meaning trouble could be lurking beyond where you can see.

As the GTI evolves into a proper, covetable classic that means extra scrutiny is required to avoid being ripped off.

Which Model To Choose?

As with many classics rarity attracts the real enthusiasts, so a super early four-speed 1.6 in good, original condition will now command serious money. For British buyers, and assuming you’re not holding out for the more attractive early interior, it’s probably better to go post-1980 to secure right-hand drive and the improved build quality in the hope of avoiding the worst of the corrosion traps.

If you’re after a 1.6 that leaves a narrow window before the 1.8 arrived in 1982, but this is probably the most desirable phase of Mk1 GTI production. All that said, the differences in character between the different versions aren’t enough to make it a deal-breaker and the wise choice would be to buy on condition and history and go for the best you can afford. That may not come cheaply, but should hold its value for the long-term.

Specifications

1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol

110PS (81kW) @ 6,100rpm

139Nm (103lb ft) @ 5,000rpm

Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive

810kg

9.0 seconds

110mph

1977-1984