5k: This Car Is In Phoenix: 1977 Volkswagen GTI Mk1
The first generation Volkswagen Golf was introduced in 1974 as the replacement for the aging Nazi-era designed Beetle. The Golf was a front drive economy car with roots in Audi’s history of front drive sedans, but was underwhelming to drive in stock trim. However, in 1975 VW introduced their GTI version that added sporting credentials to the practical hatchback. Find this 1977 Volkswagen GTI Mk1 for sale in what we think is Phoenix, AZ for $4,500 via the Los Angeles craigslist. Another great tip from Rod S. Also, thanks for anon for pointing out the lack of link…oops!
This Mk1 GTI isn’t offered in the condition that we prefer (running/driving/original paint/cheap) but it could be a good deal for someone willing to do some of the work. We think it might be for sale in Phoenix because the seller says “this car is in Phoenix” a total of nine times in the ad.
The GTI is motivated by a 1.6 liter fuel injected inline-4 that puts out 110 horsepower and 103 ft-lbs of torque into the front wheels. Performance was respectable because the GTI weighed less than 1800 lbs.
The only issue with this car (aside from need of body work and interior repair) is lack of details in the advert and some decidedly non-stock wheels (not sure what they came from).
See a better GTI project? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
A link to the ad: losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/3890370773.html
Ok- first things first. Apparently, the car isn't in Los Angeles. You mention Phoenix, but…. Looking at the wheels, those might be Audi, although the caps don't have the rings on them. In my scattered memories, I'm thinking a set of Ronal.
Did we even get the Mk1 GTI? I don't think so. I know we got the Mk2. If that's the case, then this looks like a Euroed-out Rabbit. Almost nobody remembers to remove the side markers from a car where they're trying to mimic a Euro version. Of course, I could be completely wrong on this. I just don't remember the Mk1 GTI here.
Mk1 (A1) GTI was only 1983, 1984 in the US. This is probably just rabbit with a cabrio grill (It's the same A1 chassis till 93 or something, the grills will swap right on).
Looks like a Euro GTI. It was a far better car than the slow, soft, wallowing U.S. version with its cataract-inducing velour upholstery.
This car looks very optimistically priced given its present condition. What I would really like, however, is a Mk1 with a competently done 1.8T swap. 200 bhp in a 1800 lb car, that's the kind of stats I'd love to see on some 2013 models 🙂
-fd