1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8 'Campaign'

Coming to auction at Concours House, Bradford-on-Avon, with Dore & Rees Motoring on Saturday 21st November.

1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8 'Campaign'

Registration Number: A644 MKX
Chassis Number: 17EW053266

-Rare UK-market Campaign special edition, one of approximately 1,000 examples
-Enthusiast-owned and exceptionally original
-Over £7,000 recently invested in recommissioning

When VW introduced the Golf GTI in 1976, few could have anticipated the impact it would have, establishing an entirely new genre of accessible performance motoring, the original Mk1 GTI combined compact dimensions, modest weight and a lively fuel-injected engine with an exceptionally well-balanced chassis. Its success was such that the GTI quickly became the benchmark by which subsequent hot hatchbacks would be judged.

As production of the original Golf approached its conclusion in 1983, Volkswagen introduced a special run-out edition to celebrate the GTI's remarkable success. Known in the UK as the 'Campaign', in Germany as the 'Pirelli' and in France as the 'Plus', these special models received a distinctive specification that set them apart from the standard GTI. With approximately 1,000 UK examples planned, the Campaign is now among the most rare and sought-after derivatives of the original Golf GTI.

The Campaign retained the established 1,781cc four-cylinder engine, with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection producing 112PS, and Five-speed manual gearbox. It sat on the distinctive 14-inch Pirelli alloy wheels, with special exterior detailing and a unique interior treatment further distinguishing the model as the finale to the original Golf GTI's production.

This example is finished in Helios Blue metallic, complemented by the characteristic lower-body stripes. The interior featured striped cloth upholstery with contrasting black bolsters, black door trims and carpeting.

This is a highly original and well-preserved example, having been enthusiast-owned by a member of the Mk1 Golf Owners Club. The bodywork remains remarkably straight, with excellent paintwork, while the interior has been preserved to a similarly pleasing standard.

Following a period of several years of dry storage, the Volkswagen underwent an extensive recommissioning programme undertaken by respected VW specialists CrazyQuiffs, with expenditure of over £7,000. Works included an overhaul of the braking system, fuel system, replacement cam-belt, water pump, engine mounts, four new tyres, all fluids and filters, brake lines, and replacement of any service items.

Accompanied by a substantial history file, containing original promotional material and sales brochures, together with historic MOT certificates and service invoices. Now showing 114,186 recorded miles on the odometer.

Representing the final chapter of the original Golf GTI's production, this remarkably well preserved GTI Campaign offers a very rare opportunity to acquire one of Volkswagen's most collectible special editions. A wonderful survivor from the formative years of the hot hatch.