1991 Volkswagen Golf G60

The GTI has always been the performance oriented Golf, but there’s been a few über Golfs that have graced the lineup throughout the years. Many VW fanatics are familiar with the MkII Rallye Golf. This was an all-wheel drive homologation special with box fenders and was powered by the 1.8 liter, supercharged G60 four cylinder engine. Built in Belgium, these special Golfs cost almost twice as much as a base GTI. Since then, we’ve seen a few more all-wheel drive Golfs, including the current Golf R. While the Rallye Golf was being sold, there was a cheaper, more tame option: the Golf G60.

The Golf G60 was another pumped up Golf that wasn’t available to US customers and featured the G60 engine in front-drive form. These lesser known Golfs are not too common, as they were launched in 1990 and were marketed for only about a year and a half. This particular G60 is on offer not too far from London and will be legal for importation to the US in a little over two years.

Year: 1991
Model: Golf G60
Engine: 1.8 liter supercharged inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 135,403 km (84,135 mi)
Price: £10,995 (~ $16,769 USD)

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Volkswagen Golf G60 on 4StarClassics

MODEL HISTORY
The VW Golf Mk2 succeeded the Mk1 from 1983 and remained in production until late 1992. Volkswagen reportedly spent £500 million developing the Mk2. The car slightly grew in wheelbase, exterior and interior dimensions over its predecessor but still retained the overall look of the MK1 albeit slightly more rounder so to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. During the life of the Mk2 there were a variety of updates and revisions to styling and trim, the most notable was the introduction of the ‘big bumpers’ introduced in the European market during the August 1989 facelift.

The success of the Mk1 GTi was continued with the sporty Mk2 GTi and to capitalise on the world wide success of the MK1 GTi. Volkswagen chose to release the Mk2 GTi in the same year as the rest of the fleet. The Mk2 featured a 1.8litre 8v engine but also a second engine choice, a slightly more powerful 16v variant followed shortly, the 8v displaying good low down torque and driveability while the 16v enjoyed high revs and more top end power. During its midlife update the 8v unit benefited from the introduction of a Digifant engine management system.

Popularity of the MK2 grew from the 1987 commercial “changes” in which Paula Hamilton bearing a close resemblance to Diana, Princess of Wales is seen leaving her husband, posting her wedding ring back through the letterbox, ditching her mink coat, throwing the house keys at the cat and dumping the pearl necklace BUT keeping the car keys – the tag line ‘If only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen’. The commercial was a hit and changed the way cars were advertised from then on.

In 1990 the Golf GTi G60 was introduced featuring the 8v 1.8 with a Supercharger, wider wheel extensions, BBS alloy wheels, tinted rear lights and clear front indicators. The engine delivers 160bhp and a very impressive 166ft lb of torque.

EQUIPMENT
Supercharged, Wide G60 arch extensions, 15″ Lenso alloy wheels, Smoked rear lights, Brilliant black (LA9V) paint, Central locking, Full black leather (PL7) interior, Trip computer, Sunroof, Alpine head-unit.

EXTERIOR
This rare and desirable G60 is finished in sparkling (LA9V) brilliant black and is in excellent shape with no dents, scratches or signs of corrosion. The only negatives to the paint being a couple of minor stone chips to the front. All of the plastic trim and body kit are in good order with no signs of fading or damage and the factory Hella lights on the front are free from chips or cracks as is the windscreen and other glass. The original VW sticker is still inside the boot confirming the specification and that it’s an original G60.

INTERIOR
A rare option on the G60’s is the (PL7) leather option which really improves the look and feel of the interior and sets it apart from the standard Mk2s. The leather remains in excellent order with only the smallest amount of wear to the drivers bolster and some discolouration and marks on the steering wheel. The door cars are also very nicely trimmed and show no signs of wear. The boot area is perfectly clean and the space saver wheel and tool kit are neatly stored under the boot carpet.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The car comes with an excellent history showing plenty of maintenance work and light regular use. The engine benefits from some mild modifications to improve drivability, these include a stage 3 supercharger, 68mm pulley and performance a performance tune. The engine runs very well and makes a fantastic noise as the supercharger winds up. The cambelt service was done less than 3k miles ago in 2010.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The alloys are all in excellent condition with no signs of corrosion or curb marks and are shod in a matching set of Yokohama tyres. The brakes and suspension are all in fine order and the car recently benefited from some new front discs, pads and shocks. Since arriving at 4 Star it has also had a brake fluid service.

HISTORY FILE
The car was first registered in Germany in May 1991 and was then imported to the UK in 2004. The history file contains a certificate from VW confirming its originality along with lots of German history and the import certificate. Since being in the UK all the history has been kept which includes parts and service invoices, all the old MOT certificates and tax disks. The last service was done in 2011 at 81,670 miles. The car also comes with the original VW sales brochure and 3 keys. The mileage is 135,403 KM with equates to 84,135 miles.

This dilemma some people may reach with the Golf G60 boils down to one word: Corrado. Why not buy Volkswagen’s sport coupe from the 1990s with it’s similar engine? Well, the Golf G60 is certainly an unorthodox choice for VW aficianados and you’ll be in more rarefied air than if you owned a Corrado. Then again, only the most astute VW fan will be able to spot one of these in a crowd. This particular seller always does an excellent job of photographing their stock. It makes these cars look showroom new. While the mileage is low for a MkII, the asking price is a lot more than anyone could reasonably consider spending, at least in the US. It’s hard to say what it would be worth once it’s legal stateside, but I would be willing to hazard a guess of somewhere around half of this asking price.

-Paul