1988 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2

Equipment

Jade metallic paintwork, Grey and blue sports check cloth upholstery, 14-inch steel wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, Sports seats with driver’s side height adjustment, Manual sunroof, Suede headlining, Panasonic cassette radio, Digital clock, On-board computer (MFA), Golf ball gear knob, Lockable glove compartment, Tailored overmats, Original sales brochure and price list, Supplying dealer rear window sticker, Spare keys.

Exterior

Defying both its years and miles, this 1988 Mk2 GTI looks fantastic in rare Jade Metallic. The paintwork presents to an excellent standard all round with little more than some light frontal stone chips and discreetly touched-in blemishes to report. Our in-house detailer has just completed a full machine polish resulting in a lovely swirl-free shine across every panel; catch it in the right light and the metallic green hue really pops. Commonly faded and worn items such as the bumpers, wheel arch trims, front grille and spoiler are all first-rate, as are the red GTI stripes. All the glass is original VW with the etched registration number clearly visible on each pane. The steel wheels are in good shape with the correct black centre caps, giving the car a very nice, understated appearance.

Interior

The deeply bolstered sports seats look and feel great. The pinstripe cloth shows few signs of wear, and the check centre panels are excellent; the driver’s seat is also height-adjustable for optimal comfort. Looking across the dash, the switchgear is almost entirely unmarked and still retains that reassuringly solid feel that VWs of this vintage are known for. The steering wheel and gear knob are both in excellent condition, and we’re pleased to see the original Panasonic cassette radio still in place. No aftermarket speakers have ever been fitted and so the door cards and rear parcel shelf are undamaged. The car has never been fully restored but to keep it looking fresh some remedial cosmetic work has been carried out over the years including a driver’s seat bolster re-trim and full headlining replacement.

Mk2 Golf engine bays are never the prettiest but this one presents in nice original condition with just the right level of patina in our opinion. The car has just returned from a full mechanical inspection and service at the current mileage of 104k. Other notable recent work includes a gearbox oil change in January this year, four new tyres in June 2025, and a timing belt change in April 2025. The 1.8-litre 8v engine is as free-revving as its reputation suggests, and the manual gear change feels tight and precise.

In the hands of just two owners, this lovely small bumper GTI has driven 104k miles. After taking delivery from Autobahn VW in March 1988, Mr Collyer kept the car for almost 30 years before it was acquired by the current registered keeper back in 2018. Within the accompanying history file, the lucky new owner will receive the original VAG document pack with all owners’ manuals, the original stamped service booklet, an original 1988 GTI sales brochure and price list, a thick raft of invoices and MOT certificates, a recent clear HPI report, spare keys, and the current V5C showing only 1 former keeper.