my first car...... and it's a classic
Discussion
“No I don’t want it. It’s old and horrible and……and I bet it’s rusty.” I eagerly tried to think of more excuses to convince my Dad not to buy it, but to no avail. And how lucky I am that he did not listen. The car was a 1983 Volkswagen Golf Mk1. It was sitting outside the local scrapyard looking decidedly dusty and and a bit sorry for itself. We had actually turned up there to try and source a new, accident damaged Polo as my first car for when I turned 17. However, as soon as my Dad spotted the Mk1, he was instantly drawn to it, and half an hour later, it was mine. He knew how good a car they were, and how straight this one was compared to most of the GTi’s which have now unfortunately been accident damaged or have succumbed to rust. The mileage was a pretty rare sight too, at only 59,000 from new. I took it for a test drive around the estate, and, being used to driving Mercedes W123s, the car felt nimble and very light. Dare I say it, I actually enjoyed the drive. So, Dad got to work with bartering (a skill I’ve yet to acquire) and we walked away with the car for the grand old sum of £140 delivered to our front door.
The car had a few problems which needed sorting: a new waterpump, clutch cable and service saw it on the road and ready for me to start driving it. It was only then that I realised what a mistake I could have potentially made by trying to stop my Dad from buying the car.
Two years on and I have since attended most of the major Volkswagen Shows, including GTi International, London Volksfest and Ultimate Dubs, in which TTY was exhibited in the retro display hall. The car now takes up a lot of my time and a once embarrassed owner of a ‘clapped out heap’ has seen the error of his ways. What’s more is that it has helped me to appreciate the classic car scene and how every car has its own little story to tell, regardless of what it looks like on first impressions.
To this day, I still wonder why someone would want to scrap such a well kept example, and I know this is happening around the Country with other similarly ‘mint’ cars. Still, after getting three offers to buy it in as many months and an executive decision on my part never to sell the car, TTY can be safe in the knowledge that it wont be parked outside the car graveyard for a very long time yet.
My plans for the future include general maintenance and cleaning. There is currently no need for any restorative work and I don’t intend to modify the car in any way shape or form. For me, it would be sacrilegious to, especially when the whole ethos of the car is based around the luck of the draw of finding a perfectly original example.
The car had a few problems which needed sorting: a new waterpump, clutch cable and service saw it on the road and ready for me to start driving it. It was only then that I realised what a mistake I could have potentially made by trying to stop my Dad from buying the car.
Two years on and I have since attended most of the major Volkswagen Shows, including GTi International, London Volksfest and Ultimate Dubs, in which TTY was exhibited in the retro display hall. The car now takes up a lot of my time and a once embarrassed owner of a ‘clapped out heap’ has seen the error of his ways. What’s more is that it has helped me to appreciate the classic car scene and how every car has its own little story to tell, regardless of what it looks like on first impressions.
To this day, I still wonder why someone would want to scrap such a well kept example, and I know this is happening around the Country with other similarly ‘mint’ cars. Still, after getting three offers to buy it in as many months and an executive decision on my part never to sell the car, TTY can be safe in the knowledge that it wont be parked outside the car graveyard for a very long time yet.
My plans for the future include general maintenance and cleaning. There is currently no need for any restorative work and I don’t intend to modify the car in any way shape or form. For me, it would be sacrilegious to, especially when the whole ethos of the car is based around the luck of the draw of finding a perfectly original example.
Young man, not only are you lucky but seem blessed with the right attitude. She sure looks a lovely example of the Mk 1 Golf and long may she give you pleasure. I had three myself, starting with a comparatively rare model I've never seen since, a 1500S with rubber mats and very basic trim, graduating to the Jetta GLi in Llahsa green and one of the very last GTi's with all extras. Of all the Golfs I've owhed, which include later 16 valves etc. I miss the first one the most. Your attitude gives me, as I approach my dotage, hope for the classic car movement of the future. Long may your involvement continue.
Very nice looking car! I am pleased there are still people out there willing to love and cherish old cars and are willing to keep them original.
I do echo the number plate sentiment mentioned above though, get some front and rear plates done up in the pre 2001 font and it will set the car off nicely.
I do echo the number plate sentiment mentioned above though, get some front and rear plates done up in the pre 2001 font and it will set the car off nicely.
Always liked these cars very retro cool and I'd imagine a fun steer. You have a great and genuine enthusiast attitude towards cars which is lacking in so many your age, great to see it. My current car is a Lotus elise but I am still jealous of your little £140 golf. You should be very proud of it.
Lovely exanple - you and the car 
I'm going to upset a few people here but IMO the MK1 is the Golf to have, after that they got big and heavy
I bet a Mk1 is smaller and lighter than a mordern Polo (someone will now check and prove me wrong)
As you've also already been pulled for the plates you'll known that black plates are out too (and are silly to put on any car used at night especialy a black car)
Hold on to the MK1 as long as you can as you've got a real nice looking example there
I'm going to upset a few people here but IMO the MK1 is the Golf to have, after that they got big and heavy
I bet a Mk1 is smaller and lighter than a mordern Polo (someone will now check and prove me wrong)
As you've also already been pulled for the plates you'll known that black plates are out too (and are silly to put on any car used at night especialy a black car)
Hold on to the MK1 as long as you can as you've got a real nice looking example there
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