Genuine early GTi for light restoration Launched in 1974, the Golf represented a complete break with Volkswagen tradition, to be swiftly followed by the GTi which first appeared in public at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1975.

No one knew at the time that this was the birth of an entirely new category of car or that it would effectively sound the death knell for cars like the MGB, Triumph Spitfire, Ford Capri and Opel Manta.

In GTi form, the Golf has become one of the great icons of modern motoring, giving rise to an entirely new class of sportscar, the 'hot hatch', in the process.

The MK1 GTi was well built, superbly engineered, quick, sure-footed, agile, practical, reliable, fun and cool.

Other cars had some of these qualities, but not all in one neat package.

Perhaps uniquely, the MK1 GTi was both classy and classless.

This earlier 1.6 litre version, a 1981 Golf GTi finished in Alpine White with contrasting trim, appears to be in very original, solid condition.

Dry stored since...