THE Volkswagen MK1 Golf is as Proudly South African as biltong, a braai and amapiano.
The VWSA brand produced a total of 532 588 first generation Golfs between 1978 and 2009 at its manufacturing factory in Uitenhage.
Though production ceased in 2009, plenty of examples were still driving on the roads, in various customisation.
And during that period, there have been plenty of “spin-off” models like the Billabong, Deco, Life, Tenciti, Citirox, WolfSonic, Storm and Velociti.
Two years before it was announced that the MK1 Golf would completely cease production in the country, VW launched its fastest and most exclusive version of the iconic nameplate – the 1.8i R / R-Line.
The limited edition was powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine with maximum outputs of 90kW and 162Nm.
Volkswagen claimed it could do the 0-100km/h sprint in 8,5 seconds with a top speed of 190km/h. Not bad for a car that weighed less than 1 000kg.
Besides the performance stakes, it was also made visually distinctive with red trimmings around the grille, a rear spoiler, 15-inch alloy Velociti wheels and R-line badging.
The red theme is carried to the inside with a stitched gear lever cover, seats and handbrake lever. It also has a dashboard sourced from a Polo, three-spoke steering wheel as well as silver dials and pedals.
As has always been the case with 99,9% of Mk1s, they don’t come with ABS brakes, air conditioning, electric windows and power steering – and the R-Line is no different. It only came standard with a CD/MP3 player.
VW only made 100 of them, and they sold as quickly as advertised for a then-purchase price of R115 920, back when cars were cheap.
Another limited edition model was the Citi GTS. Although it was slower than the R-Line, it featured some nifty additions like 15-inch gunmetal alloys, sports seats and suspension. Only 375 units were produced.
These days, you have to look hard to find one for sale because owners are holding on to them. If one does get listed for sale, it will be priced at (way) more than what it cost more than a decade ago.
