1989 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Classic Sale at CarFest 2026 on Saturday the 29th of August and Sunday the 30th of August at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN.

Introduced in 1984, the Mk2 GTI gained recognition with the 16V version, which featured a twin-cam cylinder head that significantly increased power beyond the eight-valve model and established a performance benchmark for the GTI marque.

Power comes from the engaging KR-code 1.8-litre sixteen-valve engine, producing around 137bhp when new. It can accelerate to 60mph in about eight seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 130mph, driven through a five-speed manual gearbox with the traditional ‘golf ball’ gear knob.

This exceptional example is finished in vibrant Tornado Red with classic GTi check cloth seats. It has covered just under 40,700 miles and has been cherished for 13 years, with only two previous keepers in its 37-year lifetime.

It was supplied new to Mr. Niven of Wakefield on March 31, 1989, by Liverdale Motors of Pontefract. The car is accompanied by its new vehicle sales invoice showing a total of £11,450 and the original vehicle order form, which lists mud flaps and carpet mats as added accessories.

The history file includes several previous MOTs and tax discs, invoices for servicing and maintenance, a Golf GTi handbook, and its original VAG service book with 13 stamps. The vehicle has been serviced by the current owner since 2013, with receipts and photographs on file. A new cambelt was fitted in June 2026.

Increasingly desirable, the Mk2 Golf GTi is often regarded as better than the revolutionary Mk1 it replaced—faster, more comfortable, and more modern. This superb example is arguably the one you had always hoped to find.