While you could argue that the Mini Cooper (among others) beat it to the mark in offering high performance in a compact, affordable package, the MK1 Volkswagen Golf GTI was undeniably the first to establish the hot hatch breed as we now know it. For starters, it was actually a hatchback, unlike the Mini with its saloon-like boot lid, plus it had all the traits we now associate with a typical contender - shoehorned-in engine from the class above, extra kit and racey styling inside and out. It was also a dependable daily runabout that you could charge down country lanes in with a massive grin on your face.
With a wheelbase of just 2,400mm and a track width of 1,404mm, its footprint was dinky, plus it weighted just 840kg, so a four-cylinder motor producing 110hp had little trouble in making the GTI a proper pocket rocket. 62mph came in 8.1 seconds and top speed was 113mph, far exceeding its rivals 'quick' offerings. But what really made the car's name was the way it handled; it was buzzy, energetic and response, with the added flair of lift-off oversteer.
Back in 1975, despite managerial nervousness regarding its introduction, the GTI immediately became a hit on the continent; although it didn't reach Blighty until 1977 and even then it was offered only as a left-hand drive model. But Britain's love affair with affordable performance was already in full swing by this point thanks to locally-produced sports cars; the introduction of a model that could offer genuine daily usability (and reliability) was always likely to cook up a storm. Order books were promptly filled and VW soon introduced a right-hand drive variant.
Even better, it became something of a fashion statement, with those understated, mature but - to those in the know - purposeful lines, accented with a red outline on the nose and those stuck on wheel arches. Then there was quirkiness, including a golf ball gear knob and, on some models, side stripes above the sills. It was fun, practical and absolutely classless. Little wonder it would be adored and driven by people from all walks of life - perhaps more so than any GTI to have followed it (although they all fit the same blueprint). It certainly held a healthy advantage over rivals for long enough to establish an almost unrivalled hot hatch image for those three letters on its grille.
Today's Spotted is a 1983 example which looks like it's been frozen in time the past 36 years. With 17,000 miles on the clock it ought to be as mechanically sound; the engine bay certainly looks as clean as the cabin and the alloys don't have a mark on them. But, of course, this all means it comes at a rather steep price: £28,995. Also known as brand new hot hatch money - you could bag yourself one of the best of today's class, the Honda Civic Type R, for not much more.
But the Mk1 Golf GTI stands on the shoulders of giants like the 911 as a car to have gone where no other had before - plus, well, look at it. Hot hatches don't get cooler than this.
SPECIFICATION - VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI (MK1)
Engine: 1,588cc four-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 110@6,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 104@5,000rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Recorded mileage: 17,000
First registered: 1983
Price new: £5,217 (1977)
Yours for: £28,995
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