1990 Volkswagen Mk2 GTI: The People’s Sports Car

The Volkswagen Golf GTI defined and led the wave of hot hatchbacks, but it’s harder these days to find early generations of the People’s Sports Car without questionable backstories and odd modifications. Andrew Tucker put in the time to find the right car, and his clean and complete 16-valve Mk2 GTI is a due reward for his efforts. It is a cult classic preserved as it should be, and it’s 27 years later it still offers dollops of driving joy alongside the inescapable nostalgia.

Drive Tastefully®

[nkenchington]

Found a mint one, back in 2003: 16v, 1991, Oak Green with 59k on the clock. I paid 3900 quid for it. I drove it once or twice a week for about 5 months, then sold it for 4k. I bumped into the young lad who bought it a few months later, while pissed up in Walkabout or some such shithole. He told me how much he was loving it, and his girlfriend reported that he went mental when she put her shoes on the seat. 'Good lad!' I said. I drunkenly offered him 10k for it, and he laughed and said no. I wonder where that lovely machine is now...

[jasoncarpp]

I've always loved the first two generations of Volkswagen Golf, including the GTI.

[stephenoverstreet]

You certainly keep knocking it out of the park Petrolicious, cause after every video (including this one) I find myself researching prices of the cars and imagining myself in them. Thank you yet again!

[MiguelGarcia-vjoo]

You gotta love purist, the preservers and the historians. Or what Jeremy Clarkson once said "the serious video as

[nielsgodron]

In terms of passion there really is no difference between this and a million dollar Ferrari. Bravo to Petrolicious for putting the spotlight on the more nimble cars out there. Having said that, calling it a sports car might be overdoing it a little.

[SilveryFoxster]

I owned a 1990 8v Mk2 GTI and loved everything about it. No power steering or electric windows just a big smile on my face whenever I drove it. I noted the ClubGTI badge, back in the day I was the club secretary. Happy memories 👍

[giff]

I really enjoy your outstanding production quality.

[maarteneevers]

I have such good memories of my MK2 Golf. I was my first car, a black 1991 model with the 1.8 8V carburettor engine.
I kept it for six years and in that period i learned how to fix it. Never let me down and took me wherever i needed and wanted to go.
Last year i drove it to Wolfsburg, to see where and how it was born.
3 months ago, that all came to an end when someone smashed it up with a brick. I repaired it to a driveable condition, but found someone who wanted to buy it and restore it to its old glory.
That good hope was also crushed, as that person drove it into a ditch at high speed.
I shed a tear when i saw the picture of it in the newspaper.

[tinanicic]

My cousin has Golf mk2 GTI G60 edition one in almost brand new condition. It is a thing of beauty.

[ixthstage]

I got one from my uncle who bought one out on a field for $700 10 years ago. He started converting it with GTI pieces but gave it to me 3 years ago coz he lost interest. I've since been slowly modifying and restoring it. It didn't even run properly! Just enjoying and loving the journey but the best has been the people I have met because of the car. Oh and every chance I get, I take it back to my uncle for him to drive. The smile on his face after every drive is the most rewarding thing!

[scottipippen]

That brings back old memories..i learned to drive in that car, my Mum drove one back in 94`. Loved it! Couldn`t have started my driving career with a better car..

[ps]

Not many people just want to keep their cars tidy. Thumbs up for this guy!

[madfzr]

I used to own a bone stock 1990 GTI wolfsburg edition with bbs ra. Was from san francisco calif area. It was loved then neglected. Great drivers car. I sold it about 8 years ago to a guy who was taking it back to texas. Mine was developing the usual electrical issues even after new alternator and battery. Most likely an electrical drain somewhere. Great car. My suspension was beat. they just need love. Id rather have a mk2 any day over mk3 or mk4 vw

[AetiusPraetorian]

The Golf II GTI is an iconic car, but I liked the Scirocco GTX16v and the Corrado G60. My favorite from those hot hatch days though was the Kadett GSi16v, fastest hot hatch I ever drove on the German autobahn back then.

[RangeRover]

Mk2 GTI always a fave that I never owned...💞

[diogocamposmes]

proud owner of a mk4 gti and i loved to see the vw golf on the best car channel ever!!!! thank you!

[trustgtr]

2DYN581 california reg, 87 mk2 Gti..that was my car in college back in 1992. Gosh i still think about that car ..

[EDHBlvd]

Probably the coolest GTI ever made. With the MK3 GTI VR6 being slightly behind it.

[cplegend]

Thanks for the memories M8. I had a 1989 gti (US) and it was an amazing car. Despite getting broken into frequently and I was too broke at the time to fix the exhaust (i used coat hangers to keep it mounted, lol that would break after 100 miles or so). but the car was trouble free for the most part and served me well. I gave it to my brother with 100k miles on it, and he drove it for another 100k in college. Was still driving around the San Francisco area last time we saw it many years ago. I always envied you that got the 90 because I wanted those headlights.

[mariosubasic.media]

FINALLY GOLF 2, been waiting for this from day 1