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Golf I GTI (1976–1983)

Golf I GTI (1976–1983)
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Three magical letters

Factory code: 17 (A1) Saloon

The Golf GTI is unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1975. Visitors are amazed by the 81 kW (110 PS) packed so discreetly into a compact body in Mars Red, hidden by a 1.6-litre injection engine taken from Audi and boasting an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The GTI is initially available in two colours: Diamond Silver Metallic and Mars Red. The equipment is sporty: among other things, all chrome parts are replaced by black-painted components, and the radiator grille bears the GTI logo and a red surround. The headliner, sun visors, and carpets are all deep black. The front spoiler is enlarged and wide tyres in size 175/70 HR 13 are fitted. The suspension is firmer and lower (10 millimetres at the front, 20 millimetres at the rear), while stabilisers at the front and rear counteract body roll. For connoisseurs, the HR in the tyre designation is a hidden clue: this car is guaranteed to go over 180 km/h! The interior features ergonomically shaped sports seats with the familiar tartan pattern, and the gear lever is shaped like a famous golf ball.

With this vehicle, Volkswagen offers an extremely attractive overall concept. Low fuel consumption and a low base weight of just 810 kilograms ensure high driving dynamics and impressive economy.

Although the development team is initially sceptical and assumes that only 5,000 units will be sold, the GTI sells extremely well right from the start: 462,000 units are produced in total between 1976 and 1983. The VW Golf GTI quickly achieves cult status and celebrates successes in international motorsport.

Golf I GTI profile

Vehicle data

Golf I GTI (1976–1983)

Engine versions

Golf I GTI (1976–1983)

Golf I GTI variants & highlights

Golf I GTI model update

1978

Extended and improved

The GTI gets new bumpers with replaceable plastic skins attached to a sturdy metal support. This more generous profile makes the vehicle almost ten centimetres longer. In addition, various rubber mounting elements are improved and the door and rear locks are reinforced.

1979

Optimised

As with the basic model, a right-hand drive version of the GTI is also available from this production year onwards. The seat belt buckle is relocated for optimum adjustment to the seat. A steel sunroof is also available to order from now on.

1980

Three points and five gears

This year, the Golf is equipped with three-point automatic seat belts and a more stable brake system. Another important innovation: the GTI comes with a sporty five-speed gearbox with close ratios and short gear ratios as standard.

1981

Revisions

The facelift continues: the rear lights are significantly enlarged, and the dashboard is redesigned. The new four-spoke sports steering wheel is particularly striking. From this year onwards, the GTI is also available as a four-door model and can be ordered with an optional fuel-efficient 4+E gearbox.

1982

4+E

The standard equipment now includes the 4+E five-speed transmission with a particularly long fifth gear. The close-ratio transmission is now only available on request.

1982

New engine

The new 1.8-litre engine with 112 PS, lower revs, and improved torque is a decisive evolutionary step. This engine plays an important role in Volkswagen's engine range in the 1980s and 1990s – in almost all models. With this engine, the axle ratio of the GTI can be optimised for lower fuel consumption.

1983

First special model with distinctive rims

The first special edition appears in May 1983 to mark the end of GTI production. Originally nameless, the GTI special edition is later named after its distinctive "Pirelli" rims. The special series impresses with a twin headlight grille and painted add-on parts. However, the painted rear-view mirrors, fender extensions, and bumpers are only available in four colours: Alpine White, Helios Blue Metallic, Mars Red, and Lhasa Metallic. Pirelli CN 36 tyres in size 185/60 HR 14 are fitted to the striking alloy wheels with P-hole pattern. There are also subtle changes to the interior and a four-spoke leather sports steering wheel. And even though early press photos cause confusion, the following applies to all special models with painted add-on parts: no rally stripes and no sticker bumper. The GTI "Pirelli" with unpainted add-on parts in a total of nine body colours, on the other hand, is available with rally stripes. Just 10,500 VW Golf I GTI special models are built between May and October 1983.

1983

End of production

Approximately 462,000 Golf GTIs are manufactured between 1976 and 1983. It accounts for eight percent of Golf I production. The original Golf GTI developers initially estimate sales figures in Germany at 5,000 vehicles. The high export quota of the then fastest Golf is interesting: 35 percent of all GTIs head to France, 18 percent to Italy, with Switzerland in third place at 13 percent.

Golf I GTI advertisements

Golf I GTI (1976–1983)
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The specified fuel consumption and emission data does not refer to a single vehicle and is not part of the offer but is only intended for comparison between different types of vehicles. Additional equipment and accessories (additional components, tyre formats, etc.) can alter relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption, power consumption, CO₂ emissions and driving performance values in addition to weather and traffic conditions and individual driving behavior.

Further information on official fuel consumption data and official specific CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars can be found in the "Guide to fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and power consumption for new passenger car models", which is available free of charge from all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany and at www.dat.de/co2.