The Golf GTI was the pinnacle of performance fused with practicality in the late 1970s and 1980s. It popularised the hot hatchback concept after it was introduced for sale in June 1976 and a right-hand-drive was introduced to the UK in 1979. The Golf GTI’s compelling package was so overwhelmingly popular it encouraged more competitors to create hot hatches from their standard models. Originally planned for 5000 units, the Mk 1 was so successful it eventually ran to nearly half a million!

Compared to its standard hatchback derivative, the GTI featured a tuned engine and a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Combining these with an uprated suspension system and brakes gave the GTI its hot hatch status.

By 1982 an even more powerful engine was introduced to the Golf GTI range. The 1800cc version was Volkswagens effort to stay ahead of other manufacturers. The Mk2 went into production in 1984 to major rivals the Ford Escort XR3i, Vauxhall Astra GTE and Peugeot 205GTi. It has been such a popular model that Volkswagen still produce the GTI today.

On loan from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.