Always wanted a cool car? These early GTI models are difficult to find, especially in nice condition. This Golf is more than that, as it’s been fully restored and could be a perfect investment. Presented with completely refreshed mechanics and bodywork, this spicy Volkswagen is fun to drive, splendidly trimmed and has lived most of its life indoors, while its second owner performed a deep restoration that enriched its beautiful silver-metallic paint.

‘Hot Hatch’ and ‘Golf’ have been strong synonyms since 1976, when Golf’s first edition was finally unveiled. The Mk1 married performance, usability and value, and would later come in a new, performance-oriented package called GTI, which offered an updated fuel injected engine, an improved chassis, a more aggressive front grill (with a red piping rolling around the perimeter), prominent wheel arches and a larger front spoiler. It would stay in production until 1984.

The Mk1 Golf GTI is sought after by collectors and marque enthusiasts alike as a decade-defining performance car but the Golf displayed here is more than just that. It’s a timeless example of correct restoration being carried out, as it was completely brought to its original condition.

Presented in Silver metallic, this Golf is offered with matching numbers and has undergone a full restoration.

Powered by a 1.8-liter ‘DX’ inline-four, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission, optionals include 15-inch BBS style wheels, factory sunroof, Clarion CRN11 radio unit, OEM speaker balancing system and Silver metallic paint. The wheels come with Pirelli Cinturato P1 195/50R15, which are allegedly in very good condition.

Benefiting from a recent full service and complete restoration, as shown in the gallery, this GTI underwent a remarkable restoration which included a complete bare metal respray. The bodywork appears in great condition, and it was given welding repairs to rectify the panels touched by corrosion during the process that brought the car back to bare metal. As seen in the gallery, the panel gaps are smooth and sleek, there are no dents to any of the car’s exterior surface. Having been professionally resprayed, the Metallic Silver paintwork is reportedly in perfect shape, with no chips, scratches or blemishes that require words. All works were carried out and fully documented by a VW specialist, whose enthusiasm and professionalism brought the displayed car back to its original appearance.

As we move in the cabin, this classic Golf enjoys its original trim and upholstery, which have barely aged. Having been part of the restoration process, the seats (clad in black cloth, grey-striped in the centre and with black vinyl backs and sides) present particularly well, just like the rear bench. No rips or tears to their coverings have been reported by the vendor. The mechanical odometer strikes 126'000 km.

Also, the original steering wheel and symbolic “golf ball” gear knob are shining like new. Music and entertainment are supplied by a period-correct Clarion CRN11 radio unit and the speakers can be adjusted via a specific OEM speaker balancing system. All gauges and instruments in the cockpit are allegedly working as they should, with no sign of warning whatsoever. Mechanically, this Golf has received a full restoration as well, which included a full water and gas pump replacement, timing belts replacement, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system overhaul and a clutch replacement. Now the vendor states the car starts immediately and runs smoothly.

Originally purchased as new in France during 1983, this Silver GTI is offered for auction by its third owner from Monaco, who purchased it in 2009 and always kept it stored indoors. The purchase includes French ownership documentation, 2 original keys, 2 spare keys.