Description

This 1985 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a Canadian-market example that was first sold by Intermonde Auto Inc. of Montreal, Quebec and remained in Canada until 2018, when it was imported to the US. Power comes from a fuel-injected 1.8L inline-four paired with a five-speed close-ratio manual transmission, and the car is finished in red over gray cloth. Service performed following the seller’s purchase out of Ohio in March 2019 included replacement of the timing belt and tensioner, water pump, valve cover gasket, front engine mount, alternator belt, spark plugs, fluids, filters, tires, and more. This first-year Mk2 GTI shows just over 57k kilometers (~35k miles) and is offered with owner’s manuals and original sales documentation, keys, period literature, recent service records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Michigan title in the seller’s name. 

The car was assembled at Volkswagen’s Westmoreland, Pennsylvania plant in March 1985 and is finished in Mars Red (LA3A). Paintwork was performed below the left rear bumper corner under previous ownership, and remaining imperfections in the finish can be seen up close in the gallery below. A plug for a trickle charger has been installed under the left headlight, and a Motor Trend 1985 Car of the Year sticker is affixed to the rear glass.

Trim includes an optional sunroof, black fender flares, and red accents around the grille, side moldings, and bumpers. Stock 14″ alloy wheels are wrapped in HR-rated General Altimax RT43 tires that were installed under the seller’s ownership. The car is equipped with power-assisted disc brakes at all four corners, and fresh brake fluid has been added. The seller describes the parking brake as needing adjustment.

The cabin is trimmed in gray cloth with patterned seat inserts and black carpets. Equipment includes unassisted steering, crank windows, and a period Blaupunkt Frankfurt AM/FM radio. The sunroof handle needs realignment according to the seller.

Instrumentation includes a 220-kph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,300-rpm redline, and a digital clock. Just over 57k kilometers (~35k miles) are shown on the six-digit odometer, 1k of which have been added by the seller. The fuel sending unit and gauge were repaired under current ownership.

The eight-valve, 1.8-liter inline-four features Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and was rated at 100 horsepower when new. A new timing belt, tensioner, water pump, valve cover gasket, idle speed regulator, spark plugs, oxygen sensor, and front engine mount were installed for the seller. Fuel system work included replacement of the fuel injectors and distributor along with other service, invoices for which can be seen in the gallery below. 

Power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed close-ratio manual transaxle that was filled with new fluid. A replacement Volkswagen center muffler was fitted under previous ownership, while the seller notes a hole in the rear muffler.