1989 Volkswagen GTI 16V

Update 4/20/19: This GTI 16V sold for $8,322.

Remember what I just said about being at the mercy of what’s available? So here comes another Volkswagen, but I promise this one won’t disappoint. That’s because unlike the other examples which were fringe favorites, here’s the bad boy everyone wants – the GTI 16V.

For 1987, Volkswagen brought its development of the EA827 inline-4 (the “PL”) to the Golf. Already in the Scirocco, it boasted 16 valves, 10:1 compression, KE-Jetronic injection and 123 horsepower. That was over a 20% jump in power, and mated to a close-ratio 5-speed manual it more than made up for the additional heft of the A2 compared to the A1.

To help differentiate its new engine, and because it was initially run alongside the 8V model, several styling cues were added to the 16V. Shared with the Scirocco, the easiest to spot were the “Silverstone” (Teardrop) alloys that would be the signature of the 16Vs for the next few years. Less noticeable were minor changes; painted lower valances and a deeper front lip spoiler, a relocated Fuba antenna now residing on the roof, and of course 16V badges and red stripes throughout. The 16V also got a special leatherette interior and beefy 205-55-VR14 Pirelli P600 tires.

Over the subsequent two years there weren’t many changes to the GTI 16V outside of the “big door” single pane glass change and revised grill of all A2s in ’88, as it’d undergo a major overhaul and bump in displacement for the ’90 model year. This particular GTI is also unique as one of the very last Westmoreland built GTIs, as production closed in ’88 and shifted to Puebla. And this ’89 must certainly be one of the best left out there:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Volkswagen GTI 16V on eBay

Year: 1989
Model: GTI 16V
VIN: 1VWDC0179KV009402
Engine: 1.8 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: “200” mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

Up for sale is an exceptional 1 owner, completely original MK2 GTi 16V. This vehicle was purchased new in TN and spent its whole life there being garaged by the original owner. It has no corrosion or rust and is wearing all of its original paint throughout. The vehicle is completely stock down to the original exhaust and has obviously been well taken care of. The pics do the talking but do not do the car justice. The rubber trim is all in good shape and not dry (just as you would expect from a garage kept car). This car comes with its clean/ clear original title that is ready to be transferred to the new owner along with the original window sticker.

The car cranks, runs and drives as it should and has received lots of recent maintenance. This maintenance includes:
-timing belt/ tensioner
-water pump
-head gasket/ valve stem seals
-valve cover gasket
-spark plugs
-coolant reservoir/ cap
-front brake calipers/ rotors/ pads/ hoses/ fluid flush
-coolant temp sensor
-camshaft, crankshaft and intermediate shaft seals
-drive belts
-oil change

The original “tear drop” wheels are in good shape and do not have any curb rash. Everything on the car works with the only upgrade being an aftermarket tape deck in the 90’s. The transmission linkage has been rebuilt and shifts like it should. The clutch feels great and there are no funny noises/ grinds etc. All motor mounts are intact and in good shape.

The interior speaks for itself. There are no rips or tears in the carpet, seats, door panels etc. and the dash is crack free.

The “bad”:
There are a few door dings on the car that could be taken out without paintwork. The tires are older and dry, so should be replaced soon. The suspension is a little soft, but the car drives fine. The true mileage on the car is unknown. There is various documentation on the car with conflicting mileage – as the odometer has been replaced without documentation.

This is a very impressive car and will not disappoint. If you have any questions, please ask!! I Invite overseas buyers.This is a NO RESERVE auction, so the highest bidder will own the car. If you have less than +5 feedback, contact me before bidding or your bid will be cancelled. I require a $1000 NON REFUNDABLE deposit within 24 hours of auction ending. NO EXCEPTIONS. The remainder is to be paid via bank transfer within 4 business days. The vehicle is to be picked up within 14 days.

Like the Cabriolet and Jetta GLX VR6, this ’89 GTI is full of wows when it comes to condition – but the model itself is much more appealing to a larger audience. Looking through the photos – which admittedly aren’t the highest quality – I can’t find too many faults. The exact mileage isn’t disclosed but doesn’t appear to be very high from the wear present, and it appears to be documented from day one by a single owner – both very unusual for one of these cars. The seller has opted to roll the dice and list the car as no reserve, and they’re being rewarded so far – bids are up to $6,100 at time of writing with a few days to go still. As I mentioned in the Cabriolet post, my money would personally go to a GTI 16V, though I meant a 9A 2.0. I don’t have quite the same love affair with the PL 1.8 models, but if this car stays under the $12,000 ask of the Aigner it would definitely be my choice.

-Carter