1980 | Volkswagen Golf I GTI 1.6

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 – Historic Group 2 Rally Car - FIA HTP – Road Registered

For sale: a carefully built Historic rally car based on the legendary Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1. The car has been constructed in Finland to meet FIA Historic Group 2 specifications, using an exceptionally well-preserved, rust-free body shell that had never been raced before the build.

The car is fully functional, road-registered in Finland, and holds a valid FIA Historic Technical Passport (HTP). It has not been used in competition since completion, making it a fresh candidate for historic rally events or collector use.

Year of registration: 1980
Engine: 1.6 GTI (1588 cm³), naturally aspirated
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Category: FIA Historic Group 2
HTP valid until: 12/2029
Road registration: Yes (Finland)
Location: Kotka, Finland (approx. 130 km east of Helsinki)

Technical Highlights

• Exceptionally clean and rust-free shell – never raced before the build
• Renewed electrical system
• Engine and gearbox inspected and found to be in good working condition
• Suspension and brakes revised and partially renewed
• Underbody protection plate installed (sourced from an Opel Astra KitCar)
• Professionally built safety cage
• Period-correct details and rally equipment

Model Background and Vehicle History

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 holds an iconic place in rally history. In its original Group 2 configuration, the Mk1 achieved great success in European rallies during the late 1970s and early 1980s – including the Monte Carlo Rally and Swedish Rally. In 1981, Alfons Stock won the German Rally Championship driving a Mk1 GTI, cementing the model’s legacy in motorsport.

This particular example is not a factory-built “works car,” but a high-quality private build completed in Finland with attention to period accuracy. While it resembles the original Group 2 rally cars visually and technically, the car has been constructed according to modern FIA Historic Group 2 regulations, which differ from the freer modification rules of the original era.

FIA Eligibility

With its valid FIA Historic Technical Passport (HTP), the car is in principle eligible for historic rally competitions in various European countries, subject to national regulations and event-specific requirements.

Additional Notes

• The car has not been raced – only test driven
• FIA HTP document is included
• Fully road-registered in Finland
• Seats and safety harnesses are not included in the sale, as they are expired under FIA regulations for international events. However, they are still accepted for use in Finnish national rallies (as of 2025 regulations)

The HTP has been issued in Finland, and participation in international events may require additional inspection or updates depending on the specific country’s regulations.

The car is located in Kotka, Finland, and can be viewed by appointment.