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Gone but never forgotten - Here's to remembering the Volkswagen Golf MK1

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<i>Image: Quickpic</i>
<i>Image: Quickpic</i>

It seems almost forgotten and such a long time now when Volkswagen made the decision to cease production of the ever popular first-generation Citi Golf.

The Citi Golf has been a stalwart on South African roads ever since it came off the showroom floor in 1984, instantly becoming a household favourite.

Coolest kid on the block

It had quite a few competitors on the road at the time like the 1.6-litre Toyota Conquest Twincam and the FE-inspired 1.6-litre Ford Laser Sport that offered a bit more in terms of performance, and driveability.

READ: Happy 40th birthday VW’s Golf Mk1

Trying to find these cars today can prove difficult as they are few and far between, while the MK1, as it is also known, still roam the streets in plenty of numbers and guises. While the Golf wasn't necessarily a car designed for comfort, all of its models came out of the factory without airbags, power steering and ABS braking systems at first.

Few can find fault with the car, besides the common problem of replacing fragile door handles and the missing front badge - which can normally be found stuck to the bag of a high school student.

Volkswagen-Golf MK1 GTI

                                                                             Image: Net Car Show

It tips the scales at around +/-800kg in part due to the non-fitment of things like luxury items like electric windows. It came in a variety of editions like the CTI, Storm, Sonic, TenaCiti, VeloCiti and also the uber venerable wide-body kit -fitted R-line.

It ticked all the boxes for customers and so began a long and successful journey for the 'Golfie'. Sadly, we never received the original MK1 GTI in South Africa but it has achieved cult status worldwide and has appeared in video games like Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport.

Jack of all trades

A used MK1 is normally the first car that first-time buyers choose because of its cheap maintenance, availability of parts and fuel consumption. While its reliability goes without question, over the years it has become the basis point for a host of modifications as well.

From undergoing engine transplants to being fitted with air ride suspension and a 4WD drivetrain...you name it, and it has been done.

                                                                               Image: Quickpic

These days you can pick up a MK1 anywhere from R10 000 to R80 000 dependent of course on its condition. You still see older women driving their pristine, low-mileage 1984 Golfs just to the shops and back, still fitted with all the original parts - including the spare key.

The MK1 will never be replaced. Yes there are newer cars as potentially adequate replacements on the market like the UP! but at the end of the day, it just isn't a MK1 Golf. Plenty of people still prefer to drive their old 'krokkie' Golf everyday instead of swapping out the old for the new.

The people's car

Because the Golf is such a common and everyday car, it is hard to tell one model from the next. Things like doors and body parts are easily interchangeable and the only real way to check its validity is to be inside the car.

Lets face it, you aren't going to get into a guy's car just to see if it is the original. Hardcore aficionados on the other hand will be able to tell you the model just by noticing things like side beadings, body panels or even the burble it makes from idling.

                                                                          Image: Quickpic

Most youngsters of this generation will never know what the MK1 meant, and still means to so many people. Even though there are plenty still in use on the streets, at some point, maybe 10 years from now, they will start becoming even more rare.

The MK1 is a car that cannot be replaced - much like that ex girlfriend you loved so much in high school, that you see every so often and still feel the same you did about her all those years ago. Even though hybrid and electric cars are the future, the MK1 will never be forgotten.

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