2002 Volkswagen Golf GTI 25th Anniversary Edition

Time for another edition of “Very niche knowledge of German car facts that almost no one will know.” We of course all know about the 2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 Edition that was sold in the US to celebrate 25 years of the GTI, only for it to be one-upped by the GTI 20th Anniversary edition literally a year later to celebrate 20 years of the GTI in the US. The interesting thing about the 337 Edition was all 1,500 in the US and all 250 examples in Canada were only offered in a single color: Reflex Silver Metallic.

However, the 337 was itself a reaction to a special model in Europe called the 25th Anniversary Edition, because while that was true for Europe and not true for the US. In addition, Europe had two more color choices in addition to Reflex Silver with Tornado Red (clear coat peeling was no extra charge) and today’s color – Diamond Black. To go even a step further, the right-hand drive UK cars all had a special plaque on them that individually numbered each car but for some reason, they put the plaque on the fuse box cover that can only be seen when the door is open. I wish I was making that up.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2002 Volkswagen Golf GTI 25th Anniversary Edition at 4 Star Classics

Year: 2002
Model: Golf GTI 25th Anniversary Edition
VIN: N/A
Engine: 1.8 liter turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 97,748 mi
Location: Kingsley, Cheshire, England
Price: £8,995 ($10,881)

MODEL HISTORY
The Mk4 Golf was launched in October 1997. It was a deliberate attempt to take the model further upmarket, with a high-quality interior and higher equipment levels. The GTI 25th Anniversary Edition was a special version of the Mk4, produced for the European Market to commemorate the first GTI, launched in 1976. They were available in three paint colours – Tornado Red, Reflex Silver, and Diamond Black – and were equipped with many extra features not included in the standard GTI. Additional spec included 18-inch BBS RC alloys, a perforated leather gearshift gaiter and handbrake, red and black seat belts, red and black ‘Le Mans’ upholstered Recaro seats, factory body kit, a 6-speed manual transmission, larger front brakes (312mm) with red calipers, lowered sports suspension, and brushed aluminium interior trim.

EQUIPMENT
Diamond Black pearl effect paintwork, Recaro sports seats in Le Mans cloth upholstery, Six-speed manual gearbox, 18-inch BBS alloy wheels, 25th Anniversary Edition numbered plaque (No. 0260), Roof spoiler, Tinted glass, Front fog lights, Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, Electric windows, Air conditioning, Aluminium pedals, Brushed aluminium interior trims, GTI gear knob, Perforated leather rimmed steering wheel with bright red stitching, Multifunction computer, Original Gamma cassette radio with 6 disc CD changer, Rear head restraints, Remote central locking, Alarm, Immobiliser, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), Spare key, Velour carpet mats.

EXTERIOR
This desirable 1.8T 25th Anniversary GTI looks great in pearlescent Diamond Black (one of only three colours available to this limited edition Mk4). Following a machine polish by our in-house detailer the paintwork presents with a great depth of shine. In-line with the mileage there are a handful of discreet blemishes to report, namely a couple of small marks to the rear bumper and driver’s side rear arch, and a peppering of stone chips across the bonnet and front bumper that we have left untouched. The car is of course accident-free and down both sides it’s nice and straight, free from any significant parking dents or scratches. All the lights are clear and without any signs of moisture ingress, and none of the seals are perished. Not a concours car, but a fantastic example in excellent driving condition.

INTERIOR
The Recaro sports seats are trimmed in black Le Mans cloth with special red detailing. The interior remains in excellent order throughout with no signs of excessive wear, even to commonly worn areas such as the driver’s seat bolster. The steering wheel and gear knob also present very well, and glancing across the dash there are no major marks to the any of the switchgear or silver trims. In the footwells the carpets are well protected by a set of black velour overmats, and the originals are still present in the boot. The special edition plaque in the driver’s door shut shows this example to be number 260 of 1,800 uniquely numbered examples.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Lifting the bonnet reveals a very clean and original engine bay with no signs of any damage, poor repair, or modifications. The car is accompanied by a great maintenance record with 14 services having been carried out during its life, the last in April 2022 at 97,506 miles. The car was fully inspected on arrival with us, and no advisory items were noted on the report. A new clutch was fitted at 86k miles. The MOT is valid until April 2023.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The 18-inch BBS alloys really set the 25th Anniversary off beautifully, looking fantastic in the correct striking dark chrome finish. They remain in very good condition all round with only a few age-related marks to report. The wheels are shod in a matching set of Toyo Proxes tyres with ample tread left. The brakes were also checked on inspection and remain in fine operational condition, bringing the car to a stop quickly and in a straight line.

HISTORY FILE
One of only 900 UK-supplied 25th Anniversary Editions with the 1.8T engine, this Diamond Black example was first registered in June 2002. It has now driven 97k miles in the hands of only 5 registered keepers (current since 2010). The car is accompanied by a great maintenance record with evidence of 14 services documented in the paperwork. The History File is complete with all the original owner’s manuals, a raft of invoices, MOT certificates, a spare key, and the V5C showing only 4 previous owners.

Personally, I love these. I think they are super stealthy about what they were and only the real nerds know what they are and the story behind them. Sadly, most were beaten to death because they got rather inexpensive and the majority of them are missing their original BBS RC wheels, have a bunch of non-reversible modifications, or are just straight-up rusty. I suppose you can blame the 1.8t for being so responsive to modifications and a vast about of aftermarket products, but we are seeing now that they are 20 years old that keeping them factory fresh was the way to go.

This one checks in with a reasonable 98,000 miles and an asking price translated to just over $10,000 American. That kind of money doesn’t buy you much anymore, so if you always wanted one of these, I think this is a totally fair price for something this fun.

– Andrew