As the original “hot hatch”, it’s not much of a surprise that the Mk.1 GTi is also a popular choice as a race car. Stripped out and stiffened up, these pocket rockets get even more potent around a track and are very entertaining to drive. Best of all, there’s a serious aftermarket community that supports them and they’re quite economical to run compared to some of their other German brethren. While they’re a bit long in the tooth, the GTis are still winning three decades on and still look great. Today I’ve got two different track-oriented GTis to chose from – from mild to wild. Let’s start with the more streetable version:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Volkswagen GTi on Milwaukee Craigslist
Year: 1983
Model: GTi
Engine: 1.8 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: Not Listed
Price: $9,000
one owner 1983 GTI, track, auto-x or radical street toy, original paint, never rusted or crashed, fresh built 1.8 16V engine (by BSI racing), close ratio trans with Quaife posi diff, 2 sets of 13 x 7 Revolution wheels, professionally built chrome moly cage by BSI racing, Petty bar is removable to allow passnger seat, way too much to list, more pictures available, car is absolutely straight and clean. 9,000.00 or acceptable offer
From the pictures that are provided, this car looks pretty phenomenal. The paint looks nearly flawless, the 16V fits well into that engine bay and should provide some serious entertainment and the power is thankfully transferred to the ground through a Quaife limited slip differential. The Revolution wheels are small but quite light, and inside the car looks both all business but also in great shape. Overall, this car looks quite well built and my guess is the bills far exceed the current asking price of $9,000. That may seem like a lot for a GTi, but finding a neat one well setup like this – if that’s your goal – is far cheaper than building it yourself. But if you’re looking for something more wild…
Taking it to the next level is this extreme flared 1983. No longer remotely streetable or comfortable, we can gather that it’s quite good at flying flags and apparently winning. These Rabbit GTis are now eligible for some vintage racing categories or can still run SCCA if up to date. With a reported 190hp dyno’d motivating the 1800 lbs, this car should be seriously quick.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Volkswagen GTi on Western Massachusetts Craigslist
Year: 1983
Model: GTi
Engine: 1.8 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: Not Listed
Price: $12,000
1983 VW GTI Race Car
Full prep SCCA F-Production 1983 GTI 1850lbs / 190 + HP on dyno.
Track record holder at NHIS, 7 time NERRC and NARRC champion, best of everything.
Asking $12,000. New Lower Price. MOTIVATED SELLER…MAKE AN OFFER!!! OVER $40,000 invested!If this is still posted, it is still for sale. All calls will be answered.
Please call: four13-five37-five999
Thanks!Details:
re: F-production VW GTI Rabbit with over 100 first place wins in both regional and national race meetings. (also eligible for Vintage SCCA)
It’s time to let someone else win. The suspension is hand built all spherical bearings(no rubber bushings), springs dialed in with Bilstein coil overs. On board halon fire system, 8 gal ATL fuel cell, Kirkey seat with glass hood, tailgate and lexan windows. Car weighs in at 1850 lbs. The engine was built by Shine Racing 190+ HP on the dyno, forged pistons and rods. Cyl head by Rick’s Engineering, 16 qt Dry sump oil system, Canton-Mecca accusump, hand made intake manifold with dual side draft 45 DCOE Webers, hand made vortex aluminum induction and hand built alum dry sump pan by Moroso. Wheels are 13 lbs with Hoosier 23x10x15 slicks.
It sounds cliche; how could you spend $40,000 on a Rabbit? But try building a race car and you’ll soon find that budget disappears, especially one to this level. Building a high output motor like this car sports can alone set you back $10,000 or more, and when you add in features like the hand-built aluminum dry sump and spherical bearing suspension, you’re talking serious performance and money. Like the previous example, $12,000 is a lot to ask for a car like this, but jumping into a class-leading competitive car is cheaper in the long run than trying to work your way up.
If it were up to me, the first and less extreme example wins hands down; it should be no surprise, as my 1986 Audi Coupe GT mimics this build as a still-streetable track fighter. You compromise the car when you turn it into this, but it does bring smiles every time you’ll drive it.
-Carter
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