Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive

Select a Year

Or Select a Car Brand

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 - 360° Interactive

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 - Key Specifications

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Specifications

Specification	Details
Type	Hot Hatch
Released At	1976 Model Year
Built At	Wolfsburg, Germany
Engine	1.6L / 1.8L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Position	Front-Engine, Transverse
Aspiration	Natural
Block Material	Cast Iron
Valvetrain	SOHC, 2 Valves per Cylinder
Fuel Feed	Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Displacement	1588 cc / 1781 cc
Bore	79.5 mm / 81 mm
Stroke	80 mm / 86.4 mm
Compression	9.5:1
Power	110 hp / 81 kW @ 6100 rpm
Specific Output	68.7 hp per liter
BHP/Weight	Varies
Torque	140 Nm / 103 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed	182 km/h / 113 mph
0 – 60 mph	9.0 seconds
0 – 100 km/h	9.2 seconds
Body / Frame	Steel Monocoque
Driven Wheels	FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Wheel Type	Steel or Alloy Wheels
Front Tires	175/70HR13
Rear Tires	175/70HR13
Front Brakes	Disc Brakes
Rear Brakes	Drum Brakes
Front Wheels	13 x 5.5 in
Rear Wheels	13 x 5.5 in
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs
Rear Suspension	Torsion Beam with Coil Springs
Curb Weight	810 - 860 kg / 1786 - 1896 lbs
Weight Distribution	Varies
Wheelbase	2400 mm / 94.5 in
Length	3705 mm / 145.9 in
Width	1610 mm / 63.4 in
Height	1390 mm / 54.7 in
Transmission	4-Speed / 5-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy (Combined)	Varies
Fuel Capacity	40 liters / 10.6 gallons

Some Interesting Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Facts

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Price Specifications

The First Hot Hatchback Launched in 1976, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 is widely regarded as the first true "hot hatch", inspiring an entire segment of sporty, practical hatchbacks.

Lightweight and Quick Weighing just 810 kg (1,786 lbs), the Mk1 GTI was incredibly light, allowing its 1.6L fuel-injected engine (110 hp) to provide nimble handling and impressive acceleration.

A Secret Development Project The GTI was initially developed as a secret project by a small group of Volkswagen engineers who wanted to create a sportier version of the Golf. Management only approved it after seeing its performance potential.

First GTI Had a 4-Speed Manual Early Mk1 GTIs came with a 4-speed manual gearbox, later upgraded to a 5-speed manual to improve performance and fuel economy.

Iconic Red Trim and Golf Ball Gear Knob The Mk1 GTI introduced the red grille trim, a styling cue still used on modern GTIs, and the golf ball-shaped gear knob, a playful reference to its name.

Inspired by the Fuel-Injected Scirocco The Mk1 GTI's Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system was borrowed from the Volkswagen Scirocco, helping it achieve higher power output compared to standard carbureted engines.

GTI Name Means "Gran Turismo Injection" The GTI badge stands for "Gran Turismo Injection", highlighting its fuel-injected engine and grand touring performance.

Limited U.S. Launch as the "Rabbit GTI" When introduced in 1983 in North America, the Mk1 GTI was sold as the "Rabbit GTI", named after the Golf’s U.S. market branding. It featured a 1.8L engine with 90 hp, slightly detuned for emissions regulations.

Instant Success with Enthusiasts Originally planned as a 5,000-unit limited edition, the Mk1 GTI's popularity led to over 460,000 units being sold worldwide, making it an automotive icon.

Set the Template for Future GTIs The Mk1 GTI’s blend of affordability, practicality, and performance became the foundation for all future GTI models, influencing every generation up to the present-day Golf GTI Mk8.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Price

The Mk1 GTI is the original hot hatch—a 1.6L/1.8L fuel-injected I4 (110hp) in a lightweight (<800kg) package. A 70s icon with prices now rivaling Porsche 911s of the same era.

1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)

Standard 3-Door (Non-Rabbit, Non-Pirelli Edition)

Project Car (Non-Runner/Rust Bucket): €15,000 – €25,000(Check for Swiss cheese floors, missing "Tartan" seats, or bondo repairs.)

Drivable but Worn (200,000+ km): €30,000 – €45,000(Expect cracked dashboards, sloppy shifters, and oil leaks.)

Restored (Matching Numbers): €50,000 – €80,000(Period-correct paint, rebuilt mechanicals, no rust.)

Concours-Grade (<50,000 km): €90,000 – €150,000+(Factory-original, unmodified, documented history.)

Special Versions

Pirelli Edition (1983): €120,000 – €180,000(Only 10,500 made—verify "Pirelli" script on seats.)

"Campaign" Model (UK 1979): €100,000 – €140,000(Black with silver stripes—check VW Heritage certificates.)

2. Key Factors Affecting Value

✅ Provenance is King

Original "Mars Red" paint: +€20k (90% were repainted).

VW Classic Certificate: +€10k (confirms production date).

✅ Desirable Original Parts

"Golf Ball" shifter: +€2k (often replaced).

Hella "Euro" headlights: +€3k (U.S. spec loses value).

Uncracked dash: +€5k (NOS dashes cost €8k).

⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs

Rust: Check battery tray, strut towers, and sunroof drains—repairs exceed €30k.

Engine Swaps: Non-original blocks halve value (verify AE/AX/FK codes).

Fake Pirellis: Clones abound—check VIN with VW Classic.

3. Where to Buy in the EU?

Specialist Dealers

VW Classic Parts (Germany) for restored examples.

The GTI Shop (UK) for rust-free projects.

Private Sales

TheSamba.com Classifieds (global marketplace).

Oldtimer Markt (Germany) for museum-quality cars.

Pro Tip: Portuguese imports often have less rust but need IVA registration.

4. Market Trends

📈 70s Nostalgia Boom

+12% annually since 2018.

Pirelli Editions now 3x 2015 prices.

⚠️ Trap Warning

"Barn Finds": Usually need €50k+ in hidden rust repairs.

Brazilian-Made Clones: Lack VIN tags—walk away.

5. Must-Do Checks

🔧 Mechanical

Fuel Injection Pump: Bosch K-Jetronic rebuilds cost €3k.

4-Speed Gearbox: Crunchy? €5k for correct 8Z unit.

📄 Paperwork

Kardex Document: Proves build date/color (via VW Museum).

TÜV/CT Reports: Post-1982 cars need emissions compliance.

Fun Fact: