1987 Volkswagen GTI

The VW GTI has always been a favorite among driving enthusiasts, due to the simple equation of a lightweight car coupled with a peppy 4 cylinder engine and quick ratio gearbox. But over the years, the VW GTI has gone from the “Original Pocket Rocket” to an overweight option riddled version of itself.

If you ask any VW enthusiast, they will tell you that the definitive line where the GTI went from hero to zero was 1992, which was the last year for the MK2 GTI. The MK2 Golf GTI was Volkswagen’s evolution of the MK1 Rabbit GTI and offered a wider range of options to the buyer.  The base model GTI was a 1.8L 8v engine wiMth a quick ratio gearbox, sport seats, and GTI trim. The other option was the GTI that boasted a 1.8L 16v engine, slightly different gear ratios, Recaro seats and enough 16v badging to insure that you stood out from the 8v crowd.

This beautiful Alpine white 8v GTI for sale in Eugene, Oregon is not the more desirable 16v, but is a well kept example of the last of the true VW pocket rockets.

Year: 1987
Model: GTI
Engine: 1.8 liter inline four
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: unknown
Price:  $3,600

1987 Volkswagen GTI on Craigslist Eugene

1987 VW GTI. Both the 8v engine the five speed tranny are original to the car. This is a beautiful adult owned and meticulously maintained car which is always garaged. This is a highly collectable car and one of nicest stock GTIs in Oregon. The paint is orginal and looks great for a 27 year old car. I see no rust anywhere on it…and I have looked hard. The only after market parts are new Bilstein Sport struts ($1000), new H&R ½” lowering springs ($500), new Konig wheels which are BBS look-a-likes ($700) and new Bridgestone tires ($800). It has also recieved new OEM bushings, new OEM control arms, rebuilt shift linkage, new starter, new axles and seals, all new OEM brakes and disks, all new OEM wheel bearings, and has legally tinted window ($200). Runs and drives beautifully. Must go to make room in my garage. I also have all the orginal manuals that came with the car.

On the retail market, there is surprisingly no discernable difference in pricing of the 8v and 16v GTIs. However, on the enthusiast market, the 16v reigns supreme, as the 16v lump is far more desirable.  Driveline aside, these cars are geting harder and harder to come by, especially in the condition this car is in. Over the years these cars have been used, abused, and picked apart making them relatively rare.

The mileage on this car is unknown, but the condition tells me that it couldn’t have travelled more than 150K. With all of the recent upgrades and maintenance items, this is a $3,600 car all day long.  Someone snatch it up, because it’ll go fast.

-Brian

Average retail $3600, high retail $5200