2002 Volkswagen Golf GTi
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
Reflex Silver Metallic paintwork, Recaro sports seats in Le Mans cloth, Six-speed manual gearbox, 18-inch BBS alloy wheels, Milltek stainless exhaust, Coilover suspension, 25th Anniversary Edition numbered plaque (no. 1661), 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, Original carpet mats.
Exterior
A car we know well having sold it to the current owner, this lovely 1.8T GTI 25th Anniversary looks fantastic in Reflex Silver. The paintwork is first-rate throughout with a great depth of shine, it’s pin sharp along both sides, and there are remarkably few stone chips across the front end. All the lights are clear and free from moisture ingress, the badges are spot-on, and even finer details such as the rubber seals still look fresh. The paintwork is accented perfectly by the original 18-inch BBS alloys finished in a striking dark chrome. Clearly a cherished example it’s hard to believe this one has actually driven 90k miles.
Interior
The Recaro sports seats are trimmed in black Le Mans cloth with special red detailing. The interior is incredibly tidy and, much like the exterior, is more in line with a car having done half the mileage. The upholstery presents with only the lightest of wear, the deep bolsters remaining in particularly sound condition. Other commonly worn items such as the steering wheel and gear knob show few signs of use, and in the footwells you’ll still find the original VW overmats. The special edition plaque in the driver’s door shut shows this example to be number 1,661 of 1,800 uniquely number examples.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The standard 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 178hp but, following a Stage 1 remap completed in 2014, this one produces an impressive 205hp. Lifting the bonnet reveals a very clean engine bay with no signs of any damage or previous poor repair. Reading through the accompanying history file the car has an incredible maintenance record, a real testament to each of its owners. The last service was only recently carried out in October 2024 and included a new timing belt, water pump, front to rear metal brake lines, rear brake hoses, a brake fluid change, and a fresh MOT with no advisories.
History File
1 of only 900 UK-supplied 25th Anniversary Editions with the 1.8T engine, this superb example was first registered in September 2002. It has now driven 90k miles in the hands of only 5 registered keepers. The car is accompanied by an excellent maintenance history with 20 service entries filling two VW service booklets. The History File is complete with all the original owner’s manuals, a thick stack of invoices, a 205hp dyno readout, old tax discs, a spare key, every MOT certificate, and the current V5C showing only 4 previous keepers. The stamped service history is as follows:
07/10/2003 at 10,551 miles
15/05/2004 at 19,192 miles
13/05/2003 at 28,535 miles
03/04/2006 at 38,198 miles
14/04/2007 at 44,850 miles
23/04/2008 at 53,874 miles
23/04/2009 at 60,082 miles
23/04/2010 at 65,707 miles
04/06/2011 at 69,968 miles
02/06/2012 at 72,651 miles
12/06/2013 at 76,006 miles
13/06/2014 at 78,234 miles
16/06/2015 at 80,386 miles
01/07/2016 at 82,280 miles
30/05/2017 at 83,565 miles
21/07/2018 at 85,166 miles
11/11/2019 at 88,183 miles
19/07/2020 at 89,645 miles
19/07/2021 at 90,199 miles
14/10/2024 at 90,868 miles