This car sold for $7,000.
I have to admit that when I initially heard the details of the 337 Edition GTI, I was very excited. To me, it seemed like Volkswagen had finally gotten the message and brought us a modern interpretation of the car that I loved, the 1990-1992 GTI 2.0 16V. After a period of low performance 4-cylinder variants, the pokey 1.8T was now pumping out 180 horsepower and matching torque – finally, the car had the go to match the show. While the VR6 had continued into the fourth generation GTI, the accompanying weight, luxury items and electronic throttle meant that while horsepower numbers went up, the seat of the pants kick and thrill that was the hallmark of the original and 16V GTI – and even the Mk.3 VR6 – had been replaced by a stout highway cruiser. As if to answer critics and revisit the original formula, in 2001 Volkswagen introduced a stripped down, turned up version of the GTi called the 25th Anniversary edition, celebrating the original 1976 launch. For me, it was a return to form for the original hot hatch with some great updates. Unfortunately, it wasn’t heading to the U.S., because of course we didn’t receive the GTI until the 1983 model year. But U.S. fans were taken care of too when the nearly identical GTI 337 was launched. Outside, it got some awesome shot-peened BBS RC wheels that looked stunning compared to the rather bland wheel styles that had adorned the GTI since the BBS RMs on the 16V. Behind those wheels were beefed up brakes and red calipers, because red is of course faster (or, slower in that case?). It also sported a new body kit that highlighted the lower stance – hunkering the GTi down over those great wheels. After a period of hidden tailpipes, a polished exhaust tip emerged from the rear valance – a nice change for sure! Inside, special details like brushed trim, red-stitched shift boot and special “Golf Ball†knob for the 6-speed manual and some awesome Recaro seats greeted you. And to keep weight down, no sunroof was offered. This was a sporty car that went like it looked for a change! Limited to 1,500 examples, it was an instant hit and apparently a good bet for a future collectable:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 Edition on eBay
Year: 2002
Model: GTI 337 Edition
VIN: 9BWDE61J624067653
Engine: 1.8 liter turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 145,200 mi
Location: Miami, Florida
Price: No Reserve Auction
This 2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 Edition is a dream. The exterior is finished in Reflex Silver over red and black cloth, and power is provided by a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four paired with a six-speed manual transaxle. Features include a model-specific body kit, polished 18″ BBS wheels, Recaro front seats, brushed aluminum interior trim, and an AM/FM Monsoon OEM CD stereo. In June 2021 the car was serviced which included an oil change and replacing the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs, along with changing the battery fuse box which is very common to go bad. This GTI 337 Edition shows 145k miles and is offered with two keys and a clean Florida title.
The GTI 337 Edition was only available in Reflex Silver and featured model-specific trim including a front chin spoiler, rear valance, side skirts, and rear spoiler. This car already has tinted windows and brand new OEM LED glass headlights. I had the paint refreshed around October 2020 and there are some slight imperfections the front bumper from normal use on the road.
Factory 18″ BBS wheels feature VW center caps and were powder coated with a dark charcoal grey that give it the finishing touch. The car currently has all-season 225/40 Firehawk Indy500 tires. Braking is from four-wheel discs with red calipers all around.
The cabin is upholstered in black and features Recaro “GTI LeMans†front seats. Amenities include air conditioning, cruise control, a “golf-ball†shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals and trim, GTI rubber floor mats. The rear headrests are included in the sale.
Feel free to message me with any questions about the car.
Nearly 20 years on, I still love the 337. The shot-peened BBSs have been powder-coated, which is unfortunate but also expected – the original finish was notorious for failing. Outside of some tinted lights, it appears to be mostly original and in pretty good condition. The market on these hasn’t really heated up all that much; a pretty clean example with a few more miles traded for just 5k earlier this year. Bidding on this one has already soared past that amount to 7k with a few hours to go. As I just said, I really like the 337 Edition – but I’m not sure I’d pay a lot more than the current bid for this one currently.
-Carter
