After its unceremonious and unexplained exit from the U.S. market with the introduction of the third generation Golf in 1993, the GTI came roaring back in a big way for the 1995 model year. Sure, it was bigger, bulkier and well…roundier, but it came with a bunch more gusto thanks to the addition of the VR6 motor as seen in the Corrado and Passat models. Though the single-overhead cam, twelve valve head lacked the race-bred feel of the Mk.II 16V, the new motor more than made up for it with the addition of two more cylinders. Good for 172 horsepower and 173 lb.ft of torque, it swept the hot hatch from 0-60 in 7.1 seconds and produced a 15.5 second quarter mile at over 90 mph. But much like the original, the GTI was more than the sum of its numbers, with drivers enjoying the great 6-cylinder soundtrack which accompanied the waves of usable torque.
On its way out of production, VW sweetened the VR6 even more with the “Driver’s Edition” model in 1997. Red stitching, red calipers and special Speedline wheels made an appearance, and while the package was ’97-only it was more-or-less completely carried over to the ’98s. That’s what we have here in this mildly modified Tornado Red example:
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 on eBay
From the seller:
About this vehicle
HARD TO FIND!!! 1998 GTI VR6, CLEAN CARFAX, NO ACCIDENT, WELL MAINTENED, LOWERED WITH COILOVERS, CLEAN INTERIOR, RENOWN STEERING WHEEL, ALPINE DEH-P6600, MAGNAFLOW EXHAUST,VERY CLEAN CAR, FRESH PAINT, COLD A/C.
If you’re looking for a nice driver to attract attention at the local show, this one seems the part. It retains a mostly stock appearance with some mild upgrades that are reversible.
VRs are exceedingly rare full stop due to their high initial buy-in price; these were 20k hatchbacks in the 90s and hard to justify for most. Late-production models are even more rare. The last one to hit Bring a Trailer was nearly four years ago. The asking price isn’t cheap here, but if you want one of these they just don’t come up for sale very often.
-Carter
