1989 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Volkswagen Golf Mk2 GTI 8V – “Trev”

It’s with a genuinely heavy heart that I’m putting my Mk2 Golf GTI, affectionately known as Trev, up for sale.

This has been a car I’ve really enjoyed owning and one I’ll be very sorry to see go, but due to a change in circumstances it’s unfortunately time for someone else to enjoy him.

Trev is a Mk2 Golf GTI 8V and remains remarkably original, with only a few tasteful changes including Bilstein suspension and smoked lights. The original lights are also included with the car.

The car was taken off the road in 2018 for restoration, which is reflected in its overall condition today. It presents extremely well for its age and, importantly with any Mk2 Golf, is also very clean underneath. It isn’t a concours car and I wouldn’t describe it as perfect, but it is a very good, honest example that has clearly been cared for.

There is a substantial history file with the car containing invoices, previous MOTs and paperwork going back many years.

I spent nearly 10 years working as a VAG technician, so I’ve always been particular about how Trev has been maintained. I’ve had access to the correct dealer repair information and have also been able to call on the knowledge of technicians who worked on Mk2 Golfs when they were new. Throughout my ownership, Trev has also been kept in a heated garage.

During my ownership I have continued to maintain and improve the car, including:

* Heater matrix replaced as a preventative measure / for peace of mind

* Tappets replaced

* Throttle valve overhauled

* Gear linkage overhauled

* Idle control valve replaced

* Professionally rolling-road tuned by Stealth Racing, renowned classic Volkswagen specialists

* Rolling road result of a very healthy 118bhp

During 2023, across both my ownership and the previous owner’s ownership, the car also benefited from a considerable amount of work including:

* Cambelt replacement

* Water pump replacement

* Ignition switch

* Handbrake cables

* Alternator replacement

* Starter motor replacement

* Bilstein suspension

* Plus various other maintenance items

Mechanically, it drives exactly how a good Mk2 GTI should. It feels tight, responsive and genuinely enjoyable to drive. The 8V engine pulls strongly and, following the work and setup at Stealth Racing, runs very nicely.

Despite its age, it will still return around 33mpg, making it surprisingly usable for a classic hot hatch.

The interior is another strong point of the car. A large proportion of it has been replaced over the years, which is why it presents in such excellent condition today. The original GTI character and period feel remain, with the dashboard, trim and details all presenting very well.

The sunroof is also in good order, having had its seals replaced and been maintained as part of the car’s ongoing upkeep.

As the photographs show, attention has also been paid to the underside and mechanical condition of the car. This isn’t a Mk2 hiding years of neglect underneath a shiny body.

Trev isn’t perfect, and I don’t want to advertise him as something he isn’t. There are naturally age-related imperfections, but overall he is in very good condition for a car of this age and is a lovely example that can actually be driven and enjoyed rather than simply looked at.

He comes with a large amount of history and paperwork, the original lights, various spare parts and documentation accumulated over the years.

This is genuinely a reluctant sale. Trev has been a joy to own and drive and I know I’ll miss him dearly, but unfortunately a change in circumstances means he now needs a new home.

Serious enquiries are very welcome and I’m more than happy to answer questions or talk through the car and its history with any genuine buyer.