External GTI Identifiers on MK-2s

[83GTI-DS]

Hi again

I was wondering what exactly are the external differences between a normal GTI and an MK-2, aside from the red border, and any badges that may or may not be on the car? Also - I heard from someone that certain models that were non-GTI came with the red bordered grill as a default... Having trouble believing that, and wanted someone to comment on that if possible - he was specifically referring to his own car, which was manufactured (I think) one year after the "sky" model.

I know some people may switch parts on their plain MK-2 and make it look like a GTI, but still interested in learning more about the external characteristics of the MK-2 / GTI.

For example, could anyone look at this car and say if it's a 1987 MK-2, or if it's a 1987 MK-2 GTI?



Thanks in advance for your help!

Adi.

[Mr Blue]

that looks like a mk1 GTi with a mk2 front grille to me?

[DubFan]

That's definately a badly modded Mk1.

Mk1's and Mk2's all had their front indicators in the bumper.
The side repeaters are in a bad place, on golfs they are usually behind the front wheel arch.

The bumper is horrid, the side skirts discusting and so on.

Those do look like Mk1 9 spoke alloys though.

But the seats don't look original, neither does the grille or the wings.

Whoever did that needs to be punished.

[83GTI-DS]

 

How is that possible, though? Where was an MK-1 made in 87?

[sesterfield]

Where do you live mate?  It could be that it was registered in your country in 87 but was made a few years earlier?

[...joe]

whatever you do, make sure the first thing you do is chuck a can of petrol and a match at that 'thing'!!! looks like a complete horror story to me, whats going on with those extra indicators carved into the wings?

but in answer to your question, there isn't alot to tell one golf from another if the owner wants to make it look like a gti. short of opening the bonnet!!! there are all sorts of things you can take off or add on to make any model look like any other model.

[83GTI-DS]

I live in Israel.

A lot of those older VWs are imports (so the manufacturing year is the same as the registration year), but generally I haven't heard of or seen an 87 Mk-1 in Israel - ever. I've seen a 1984 MK1 here once, but the registration being one year later is understandable... 4 years though? What did they do with the car for that long before registering it ? ?

This car is being sold as a "1987 Golf" here, 3rd owner, around 122,000 miles. The price is lower than what you would expect for a GTI of that year around here, but he did specify the engine to be a 1.8L... This is why I wanted your opinion - is this a GTI or not?

I could take care of the bumper and the side skirts if I buy this car - but the only way I'm buying it is if it's a GTI ? - regarding the extra indicators though, that's a bit of a problem.

Could anyone point me in a good resource, or list the general differences in the exterior of a GTI and a non GTI car? In this case, I guess we're talking about an MK-1 (somehow), so what would generally be the differences? Also, can anyone point out the same differences between an MK-2 and the MK-2 GTI?

Thanks again for all the help.

[VeeDubGTI16v]

i think you will be able to tell if its a gti when you test drive it

if they are that rare over in israel you could get it and get some new wings and a real grille and bumper to sort it out looks wise, dunno if you will have to import them and burn the sideskirts

[83GTI-DS]

They aren't THAT rare, but they're very rare for that price... Then again there's definitely some work to be done on this car if I do get it, as you all unanimously agreed 

The only way I'm getting it is probably if it's in a VERY good condition mechanically... Guess we'll see soon.

Thanks for the tips!

[tinman]

Its definitely a mk1 based car, probably one of those south african jobbies.

the main difference between the gti and non gti's in mk2 form was the red stripe and 4 grill lights.

however Drivers came with the 4 grill lights though, so it wasn't exclusive. the red stripe I'm fairly sure was exclusive though.