July's car of the month is a VW Golf GTI 8v (small bumper) mk2 provided by new member Karl Hogg, in Karl's own words:
"Registered 19/08/87 and supplied by VW dealer Ecta Motors Ltd in Southend on Sea for the princely sum of £9,000 after discount.
I have the original bill of sale and service book
Only 3 previous owners, she spent most of her life on the Isle of Wight.
I took it in part exchange for Renault Clio 182 track car that I was finding difficult to sell as it was not road legal. My thinking was the Golf would be easier to sell on. 3 years later, and she's still here...
Started first time at the start of May even though she's not been driven since mid December and parked outside
Other than routine servicing and a replacement window regulator, I've not had to spend too much and MOT wise there are only some advisories, although the CV boots will need replacing this time.
I think the paintwork is original. It's wearing thin in a few places and there are some scabby bits, so definitely some patina.
The interior is not bad, with fabric in reasonable condition. It suffers from the common sagging headlining, which I have cut out for now. The rear parcel shelf is a hideous fabric covered MDF thing with speaker holes. Originals are very rare and expensive!
She's largely original. Not fitted, but I have the original airbox, steering wheel and Blaupunkt hifi. It came with hideous modern black alloys which I sold and replaced with a set of the original steels wheels which were standard on the 3 door 8v, which I reburbished and managed to find a local company that could paint match the original VW silver wheel colour
Always brings a smile to my face and although it was a bit a weapon back in the day, today a modest non-sporty hatch would leave it for dead.
Plans.... I am not looking to restore her, but will keep on top of the maintenance and keep her running. I am keen to do more miles and smiles! "
