1988 Volkswagen Golf GTI 8v Mk2

Highlights

• In current ownership since 1992

• Recent professional respray costing nearly £7,000

• Four new tyres

• Fresh MOT

• Extensive expenditure in the last few years, including cambelt and light restoration

Overview

Big bumper or small bumper, 8v or 16v, both of which are sources of endless debate among the MK2 Golf GTI enthusiast fraternity. Many say that the later 16v models have more top-end ‘zing’ whilst 8v die-hards will tell you that it has better lower-end torque, making it a much more usable engine. Then you get into the subject of bumper sizes… but we’ll leave that topic there. 

This example, offered here, is a late example of the ‘small bumper’ 8v model, produced in the year before the 16v model began arriving in dealerships. In the care of our vendor since 1992 (yes, that’s 33 years!) this car has clearly been a labour of love, having been lightly restored in 2022-23, with a glass-out respray costing in the region of £7,000, as well as the all-important remedial attention to any areas of corrosion.

The fact that this work has been done means that this GTI should be ready to use and enjoy, safe in the knowledge all the known problem areas (and the routine maintenance, such as a service and cambelt) have been dealt with recently; just add fuel!

History and documentation

• Registered 06 May 1988

• Full document pack

• Collection of historic invoices 

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 18 Jun 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Invoice for glass-out respray including replacement of the rear arches, corrosion repairs and removal/refitting of all trims at a cost of £6,971.05 in July 2023

• New headliner fitted Nov 2023

• Corrosion remedial works carried out in Apr 2022 by Retro Resus including jacking points, axle mounting points and sills

• Service and cambelt replacement in May 2022 at 181,164 miles

• HPI clear

• Used sparingly in the last two years following restoration works

Interior

• Interior in excellent condition

• Light wear to the drivers seat outer bolster

• Period Kenwood stereo upgrade

• Light scuffs and abrasions to plastic trims in keeping with the car’s age

• Patination to shifter, high traffic areas

• Rear seats in virtually unused condition

• The fabric door cards are also excellent, showing only light signs of use

• In the rear, the parcel shelf is present and free from any aftermarket speaker holes, though it is beginning to sag and crack in the centre

• The boot is tidy without any major staining

• Kenwood CD changer

• Spare wheel and tool kit

• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• Glass-out respray and bodywork finished to an incredibly high standard

• Gloss black paintwork and contrasting red GTI pinstriping

• Light damage to the offside front corner of the bumper plastic centre trim, minor scratches on nearside corner

• Stone chips to lower front valence

• Minor scuffs to lower bumper splitter

• Correct clear (non-smoked) rear light lenses

• All four wheels are kerbed and patinated, but the tyres are reported to be in very good condition

• Overall, a very smart and much-loved example of the classic ‘small bumper’ MK2 Golf GTI that still retains potential for the next owner to take it up a notch

Mechanical

• 1,781cc inline-four 8-valve engine, featuring Bosch K-Jetronic injection and producing circa 110bhp

• Five-speed manual gearbox, sending power to the front wheels

• The engine bay looks to be nice and tidy, though no doubt a fastidious owner could spend a good afternoon or two detailing 

• Surface corrosion noted on underside suspension components such as wishbones, but nothing that has concerned the recent MOT examiner

• Aftermarket exhaust

• No reported faults or issues, though the seller notes that the car hasn’t been used regularly for the last two years, so may need a short period of bedding-in for the brakes

Summary

This 8v ‘small bumper’ MK2 Golf GTI has clearly been a long-term labour of love for our seller, with significant expenditure in recent years to attend to any known issues, as well as smartening up the bodywork and carrying out routine works such as the all-important cambelt change.

Offered for sale in very good overall condition, but still allowing the next owner to either take it to the next level, modify to suit their needs or put their own stamp on it, this is a delightful example of the modern classic hot hatch, and one we’re certain will bring the next owner plenty of attention wherever it goes. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Taunton, Somerset.