5k: Young Anakin: 1984 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk I

The first generation Volkswagen GTI is known on sites around the internet as the first hot hatchback, but that claim is dubious given cars like the Autobiachi A112, Austin Mini Cooper and the Saab 99.  Regardless, the GTI was a world changer and showed post fuel crisis world that a front wheel drive, reliable family econobox could be fun.  That is still true today and you don’t need a spend a bunch of money to procure one.  Find this 1984 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk I currently bidding for $5,100 reserve-not-met with a few hours to go, located in Killeen, TX.

If the E28 M5 is Darth Vader, then this black Mk I GTI is a young Anakin because it seems fun and peppy but hides a dark side.  The GTI took the basic Giorgetto Giugiaro designed Golf and turned the knob up a few clicks by adding a fuel injected engine, a sport suspension and red specific GTI badges/trim.

The Mk I GTI is powered by a 1.8 liter inline-4 rated at 90 horsepower and 100 ft-lbs of torque — not exactly numbers to knock your socks off today, but the ~2000 lb GTI is fun in the turns and makes for fun trying to keep up with traffic.

It would behoove a Padwan driver to start their career with a little pod racer like this before graduating to something massive and powerful like the TIE Advanced x1.

See a better Mk I GTI for less? tips@dailyturismo.com