Tyre Diameter: R13, Width: 175 | Golf GTi Mk1

Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1

The original GTi. Built from 1976 to 1983.

Originally fitted with a 175/70HR13 radial tyre.

The Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1 was first seen as the Sport Golf concept at the 1975 Frankfurt motor show; by 1976 the car was in production in limited quantities. From October 1976 the Golf GTi Mk1 was available to special order in the UK, in left-hand drive form only.

With its zesty 110bhp 1588cc engine, the Golf GTi went down a storm with buyers and the press, but it wasn't until July 1979 that right-hand drive cars were built. Less than a year later a GTi convertible was launched, called the Golf GLi, then in August 1980 a facelift brought bigger rear lights, a revised dash and a 17-digit VIN (it was previously 10 digits).

The Golf GTi was fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox until September 1981, when it gained an extra ratio. A year later a 1781cc engine became standard, then in September 1983 the Golf Mk2 hatch was launched, although the Golf Mk1 convertible remained in production until 1993.