Odometer: 78,801 Transmission: Manual MOT: Exempt Very few cars have had quite the impact of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Developed from the practical first-generation Golf, the GTI formula was brilliantly simple: a relatively light family hatchback, fuel-injected engine, sharper chassis and discreet sporting details.

The result helped establish the template for the modern hot hatch and, almost half a century later, the Mk1 GTI remains one of the most instantly recognisable performance Volkswagens.

This 1981 example is particularly appealing for the story behind it.

Although the V5C records six former keepers and notes that the car was previously registered overseas, it has effectively remained within the current family for some 37 years.

The current owner's son purchased the Golf in 1989, before ownership was transferred into the current keeper's name in 1994.

It has remained with them ever since.

Finished in the archetypal GTI colour of red, the car presents attractively ...