Although the first Golf GTI was launched in Germany in 1976, UK buyers couldn't get their hands on an official car until 1977 - and then only in left-hand drive form. By today's standards power output was modest - the GTI's 1.6-litre eight-valve four-pot delivered just 110hp - but a low 810kg kerb weight meant the Mk1 could still hit 62mph in 9.0 seconds and top out at 113mph.
Where it all began; still great today!
Demand was high with right-hand drive versions duly arriving in 1979, plus a UK cabriolet version in 1980. By now, numerous hot hatch rivals had appeared - from the likes of Ford, Peugeot, Vauxhall and Honda, so cries for greater power led VW to fit a 1.8-litre engine from 1982. This enabled the GTI to hit 62mph in 8.2 seconds. Special 'Campaign' and 'Pirelli' editions followed in 1983, plus an 'All White' Cabriolet in 1984.
By the time the Mk2 was launched VW had sold a whopping 17,039 Mk1 GTI Golfs to UK buyers. And that popularity has remained to this day as Jody at GTI specialists Midland VW emphasises. "The Mk1 is still massively popular with endless upgrades and modifications possible, and engine transplants pretty popular too - with the 1.8T from a Mk4 the most sought after."
Prices still rising with up to £20K possible
The original engine can be tweaked too though as Shaun Hollamby from AMD says "the iconic Mk1 - which is still a great car with great looks and handling - will gain performance by changing cams, adding an exhaust and remapping the engine."
Purists though prefer their Mk1s in original unmolested guise and according to Rupert Pontin, Chief Car Editor at Glass's, "VW's Mk1 Golf GTI is now very collectible, with concours low-mileage cars as £20,000." However you can pick up a very decent example for less than half that.
Buy if: You must have the ultimate classic Golf - money no object
Don't buy if: You're looking for a daily driver or a performance bargain
We found: 1982 VW Golf GTI 3dr, black, service history, 84K miles, £11,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £4,000
Good: £4,000 to £9,000
A1: £9,000+
Special Editions: Low-mileage Campaigns, Pirellis or Cabriolets can fetch over £20,000