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Ratty Rescue: $950 GTI 16V

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For more than a few of us, the term “barn find” conjures up images of cars from the 50s and 60s. It can be hard to accept that vehicles from our teen years have been wasting away in dusty garages and backyard sheds. Here is one such example: a 1987 16V GTI. While some of us ponder our own mortality, take a look at this rough-around-the-edges Volkswagen and consider bringing it back to its former glory.

From its inception, the GTI has been Volkswagen’s shining star. It is the car that all other hot hatches are compared to. When the all-new MK2 model was introduced, it was quickly named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. With its torquey engine and tight suspension, it promised lively motoring in a sensible package. In 1987 Volkswagen cranked it to 11 by adding their all-new dual overhead cam 16 valve engine into the hatch and the fun factor increased. The eager to rev power plant rocketed the car to even better 0 – 60 times. The GTI 16V quickly became a darling of weekend racers; the little Golf could keep up with cars costing twice as much.

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This 1987 example has seen better days. If you’re looking for a car with patina, you can’t get much better. Make sure you’re up to date on your tetanus shots prior to starting body work. It looks like most of the trim is present; the passenger rocker strips may be missing, but it’s difficult to tell in the photos. You’ll need more than a few bottles of “Back to Black” for the bumpers, wheel arches, and rub strips.

Inside, things get a little worse. The driver’s door panel has delaminated extensively (was the window left down?). The seats are…present, the seat covers: not so much. There’s no radio, but there never seems to be one in these rough rides.

But with all that, there are some upsides to this car. First, it’s essentially complete. Second, the engine turns and runs with starter fluid. Third, it’s only $950. For that price, get it to run and stop, throw on a fresh set of tires, and start enjoying the car. Put it on a lowered suspension and some fresh wheels, and roll with the patina’d crowd. The possibilities are endless.

These original GTIs are getting harder to come by, so grab one while you can. Contact VWVortex member demelok for more information. You can read more on this 1987 GTI 16V in our classifieds section. The car is located in Westport MA.

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