1986 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK2 Turbo

Highlights

• Tuned in period by Turbo Technics to 166 bhp
• Rebuilt engine with forged pistons and crankshaft, dyno'd at 206bhp
• Extensive suspension improvements
• Excellent cloth interior
• Only one previous owner

Overview

People have been modifying and improving every generation of Golf GTI since time immemorial, but it’s not every day that you see one which received the Turbo Technics treatment when new. Not only this, but the original owner opted for the more powerful of the two upgrade options offered at the time. This brought the car up to around 166 hp with the addition of a Garret turbocharger and improvements to the exhaust, air intake and fuel injection systems.

Now only on its second owner, this Golf has been treated to extensive and expensive work to its engine, gearbox, suspension, and paintwork. This includes a full engine rebuild in 2013-14, which has only covered a few thousand miles since, and an even more recent gearbox replacement. A dyno readout from 2017 shows the power output at a very healthy 206 bhp and 186 lb/ft of torque. Notable additions include a Wavetrac limited slip diff and Tarox calipers.

The interior upholstery appears to be original and is in very good condition for its age. It benefits from replaced seat foams, and a new headlining. The driver is presented with a 160 mph speedometer, and a plethora of auxiliary gauges to keep you abreast of the car’s condition and performance.

Externally, there’s plenty of shine to the paintwork, which will likely attract admiring comments wherever you park. The car’s story has been written up in an article in ‘Retro Cars’ magazine, so you can quickly get up to speed with its provenance, and there are some detailed invoices on file setting out some of the huge amount of work which has gone into this car.

In all, this is an extremely desirable example of the ever-popular second generation Golf, one you won’t want to let slip away.

History and documentation

• Registered 16 Apr 1986
• Tuned by Turbo Technics in Aug 1986
• Service history since the engine was rebuilt in 2014
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Aug 2014 @ 116,592 miles, May 2018 @ 117,286 miles, May 2019 @117,987 miles, Sep 2020 @118,651 miles, Dec 2021 @ 107,925 miles, Dec 2022 @ 108,280, Jan 2024 @ 108,649 miles
• The odometer reading was updated in 2021 when the instrument cluster was replaced
• Only one previous owner
• Document pack in original ‘V.A.G. Service.’ wallet
• Featured in ‘Retro Cars’ magazine in October 2015, with a copy on file
• The seller informs us that the collection of invoices totals around £30,000
• Engine rebuild invoice totalling £9,953 in 2014
• Old MOT certificates on file
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 8 Jan 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• Non-transferrable private plate A18VWT (A 1.8 VW Turbo) included in the sale

Interior

• The interior of this Golf remains largely very original, with the classic grey cloth upholstery having survived very well
• The seats provide plenty of lateral support, the generously sized bolsters showing very little wear
• The vendor tells us that the seats have been rebuilt with foam inserts from VW
• Generally, the seat covers, door cards, and carpets are presented in very good condition for their age
• The headlining has reportedly been replaced
• Original style steering wheel and dashboard plastics all seem to be free from cracks or UV damage
• Golf ball style gear knob
• The dashboard has been fitted with a replacement instrument cluster, including a 160 mph speedometer
• Auxiliary gauges fitted in the centre console: oil temperature, vacuum/boost, oil pressure, ammeter, clock, fuel/air mixture
• Pioneer DAB radio with USB and aux connectivity
• Generously proportioned boot to the rear, fully carpeted
• A repair has been made to the rear parcel shelf with a piece of wood

Exterior

• The classic shape of this Golf is instantly recognisable on the road, and looks particularly good finished in an this shade of bright red
• The body panels appear to be very well presented, with no significant dents or damage that we could see
• Good shut lines
• The red paintwork exhibits a deep shine, and no apparent fading
• There is a very small area of slight bubbling on the bonnet
• The front splitter has some very small chips in the paint from normal use
• All the plastic trim pieces look very good for their age
• Lamp lenses clear and bright
• 16-inch ‘Compomitive Motorsport’ branded alloy wheels
• The underside of the car looks good, with some areas of corrosion as expected on a vehicle of this age - the front subframe is noted as an MOT advisory
• Overall, though, the car looks to be in great condition throughout, ready to to be used and enjoyed, or simply marvelled at

Mechanical

• 1,781cc four-cylinder petrol engine

• Five-speed manual transmission drives the front wheels

• The engine was rebuilt in 2013-14

• Since then, the seller tells us that the car has only covered 3,000 miles

• An extensive invoice is on file detailing all the work carried out

• Highlights include forged pistons and con rods, cylinders bored and honed, polished crankshaft, gas flow work, high performance turbo camshaft, running in on a dynamometer and a readout from 2017 shows 206bhp and 186 lb/ft

• At the same time, the car received extensive work including reconditioning the gearbox, replacing CV joints, gear linkages, fuel hoses and much more

• There are a few MOT advisories for corroded brake pipes, pitted, and binding brakes

• The seller informs us that other work carried out includes a rebuilt turbocharger, OMEX engine management system, VibraTech engine mounts, custom aluminium radiator, Powerflow custom stainless exhaust, alternator replaced, starter motor replaced, Flamethrower coil fitted, Wavetrac limited slip differential, new clutch fitted

• Full gearbox rebuild by Jabba Sport 2000, miles ago

• Upgraded suspension components are said to include Eibach Pro springs, Bilstein dampers, Eibach anti-roll bars, Tarox front brakes, Golf Mark 4 rear brakes, rear axle rebuilt with polyurethane bushes

Summary

There are so many reasons that make this potentially the ideal classic Golf GTI. Its history, performance, condition, and cosmetics all add up to more than the sum of their parts. This car has so many good attributes that it’s all too easy to overlook something among the long lists of improvements and details. But to cut to the chase, it appears to be an all-round solid performer, the heptathlete of the retro car world.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.