Is The Mk1 Volkswagen Golf GTI The Ultimate Classic Car?

I've never been a huge fan of the Golf, but there's no denying the legendary status of this iconic hatchback. In GTI trim, the Mark 1 Golf created a legend. Today, I get to drive a lightly modified example to see just what all the fuss is about!

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[toemas]

They were making MK1’s in South Africa up to 2009... they had an ‘R’ badged model 1.8l that does 120hp... the MK1’s with the double headlights are so beautiful. They remind me of a classic BMW...

[patroell]

I just got my dream car. 1979 Rabbit (Golf) diesel with 45k miles. I'm absolutely in love with it.

[maximilianrockefeller]

The MK1 Golf, probably one of the most iconic cars of its era. I'd kill to get my hands on a Mk1 GTI today. I grew up in love with them but never was able to put hands on one that wasn't rusted away to pieces.

[rabbidpotatoegaming]

My first car was an 84 mk1 rabbit GTI and I love it. Will always have it with me.

[gshock]

I remember seeing these when I was a kid. I don't appreciate them as much as i do now.

[mikeshacklock]

Loved mine. Modded it by fitting a 16v mk2 engine & brakes (plus coil overs) which made it a real sleeper, and way better/faster than the mk3 VR6 (& a lot of other stuff) we also had at the same time😉

[jeffkelly]

I drove a mk1 GLI (sedan) with the 1.8 engine, close ratio 4k trans & swaybars GTI with a trunk. Fun and reliable, it always started and always got me from A to B. A great reliable car!

[mr.airgun]

My second ever car 25 years ago when I was 18! £600 to buy, £800 to insure! Have my fondest driving memories in that car. I’d probably still have it now of my mate hadn’t written it off.

[timpolman]

My parents still have a '84 Golf GLI. 1.8 8v Convertible. Basically the topless gti. Its good fun to drive too. 😊

[pacovl]

I used to own a 1983 Pirelli GTI! Still one of my all time favorite cars! The burble when you shift down and then go off the throttle at high rpm is unbeatable!

[NoDautMK]

Dude. Mk1 is definitely a legend. I bought one 3 years ago. New paint. Lowered. Abf swapped. Its soooo much fun driving!! Now on the the 2nd one lol.

[jefferysmith]

Pretty much the only hot hatch choice we had in the USA, albeit in diluted (Americanized - built in Westmorland, Pennsylvania with many changes including a cheap looking interior) and detuned(90 hp) form. The car was still a revelation that handled and went like nothing else. Always wanted one of the German made originals. The closest I’ve gotten was a mk.1 Cabriolet which I drove and loved for several years. Thank you for the great video variety: Jaguar supercar - humble Golf....madness! Wonderful madness!

[MiniBull-vqyg]

My uncle had an A-plate mk1 Gti campaign (1.8 & green) with the original Pirelli Alloys. As a 10 year old laddie, it felt like a spaceship. The original hot hatch. Nice example 👍🏻

[mil]

Yes, sir. You're absolutely right. It is really incredible and wonderful. Even more when you have one like the one in the video, only the steering wheel is on the left side, it’s what you see here in the photo. vw Golf GTI 1.8 16v and gauges digifiz, from golf mk2. Perhaps only in my country. Portugal.
greetings to all those in love with this beautiful machines
Mario

[gregou]

Had two of these few years ago(as my father had one back in the days). An Atlas grey, then a Lhassa green with Pirelli wheels. Loved them to bits. Your video does it perfect justice. Thanks for that.

[stephenhitchen]

I had a Y plate mk1 GTI in black loved it, but again typical of 80s car rust a major problem and passenger footwell looked a lake when it rained! It also had stripes along the bottom of the doors matching the upholstery. Great introduction to the hot hatch world that I still love today.

[rolandgrant]

Good video. I had a mk1 1.8, a mk2 1.8 8v and a Peugeot 309 GTI one after the other in the 90s. Overall, it's the mk2 I would go back to. Totally dependable, refined, quick enough and fully developed by VW. The others still had a way to go and too compromised for me. What a period of time to live through though!

[eisport]

My old mk2 1.8 8v was a riot back in the day. Really enjoyed this James 👌🏻

[jaycobsalter]

My dad bought one of these for his first ever car when he was 17, which was 27 years ago! He still has it and has spent £40, 000 over those years! It may sound biased but I’ve never been in a car which gives you so much thrill driving round in! The smell the sound is just something else! bearing in mind his has 400bhp +! We live in rural wales and he is still king of the B roads round here!

[thehutt]

That fly by at the start was epic! Great video! 👍🏼