There are always a few cars that climb in value so markedly on the way to classic status that their prices become genuinely shocking. Great for the owners, not such brilliant news for those wanting to buy.
Timeless, fun, cool, quick... expensive
Take this Mk1 Golf GTi. It's a late 1.6 in Mars Red (recently resprayed) and plenty of history to back up its 31 years and 162,000 miles. It appeared to these eyes a Golf worth about £6,000. How wrong you can be...
Turns out GDY321X is for sale at £9,000, which seems an awful lot for a Mk1, flawless though this cars appears. But that's far from the price ceiling for the first Golf GTI, as this low-mileage 1.8 proves at an astounding £12,000. And never to be outdone when it comes to exceptional classic cars, 4 Star lists a 1.6 GTIat £12,495. Blimey.
The Golf GTI's legendary status almost goes without saying more than 35 years after its introduction, but those values still came as something of a surprise. Further investigation was required...
As hot hatch icons go, the 205 GTI is right up there with the Golf (the debate on the best is surely already raging elsewhere...). But the most expensive 205 on PH is £5,795, again with some desirable new parts and without a mechanical refresh. Still, that's quite a difference.
Outside may have aged well, interior hasn't...
But then this is quite a gorgeous Golf GTI. We're not sure what a 'recent tune up' has comprised or what 'low ownership' is, but the new tyres, recent cambelt and just the way it looks are hugely encouraging.
Moreover, this meteoric rise doesn't just apply to the Golf. Both Escort RS Turbo S1 and S2 are now frequently to be found above £5K. Indeed, this concourse-winning S2 is a staggering £15,000.
Perhaps the Golf can maintain the 'first hot hatch' prestige as justification for its current values. But then the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus appears to be taking that accolade (and the commensurate price leap) already...
Okay, as FWD hatches go, the Golf is a landmark car, but how much further can values climb? With the increasing proliferation of five doors, auto boxes and turbochargers in hot hatches, will the originals be seen as even more collectible? Is the £20K Mk1 Golf GTI a completely unrealistic prospect? Time will tell.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI MK1
Engine: 1,588cc four-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 110@6,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 104@5,000rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Recorded mileage: 162,000
First registered: 1982
Price new: £5,217 (1977)
Yours for: £9,000
See the original advert here