French registration papers

- Only 1250 cars built
- Clear history
- High-quality restoration

In the mid-1970s, the fashion for large, powerful sports cars which drank too much fuel seemed to be on the wane. The car manufacturers therefore needed to adapt their offering, and Volkswagen would be one of the first to propose a new approach to sports cars. A major attraction at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1975, the Golf GTI 1.6 was launched on the market billed as “The quickest Volkswagen ever”. But little did the German manufacturer imagine that it had created the benchmark for its category. Light (just 810kg/1786lb) and peppy, with its four-cylinder engine producing 110bhp, Volkswagen’s GTI hit hard and gave some ideas not only to its competitors, but also to independent tuners. Against all expectations, Volkswagen France, in partnership with the German wizard Oettinger, presented – right under the nose of its parent company – a limited edition of the Golf GTI 1.6, of which just 1250 units would be built, all for the French market. In terms of its mechanical specification, it was distinguished by its 16-valve head, twin overhead camshafts (compared with one on the standard model) and power output of 136bhp. Thanks to its exceptional chassis, it could easily rival more powerful cars on twisty roads. Back in 1981, the craze for tuning was starting to take hold in France. From an aesthetic point of view, there were considerable changes, and with the fitment of a BBS kit (then much in vogue), the Golf GTI Oettinger sported wheelarch extensions and a unique front spoiler. ‘GTI 16S’ (for 16-valve) badges were proudly applied on the body and inside the car, while 14-inch ATS alloy wheels rounded off the specific features of this limited edition.
The model which we are offering for sale was delivered new by the Volkswagen dealership in Châteaudun on 19 May 1982. Kept by its first owner until 2006, it was regularly maintained by the same VW dealer until 2004.
Its current owner acquired the car in 2011, when the odometer was reading 167,200km (103,900 miles). He then had a complete restoration carried out by Auvergne Moteurs, under the supervision of Philippe Gardette. The cost of the restoration was in excess of 40,000 €.
Today, the appearance of the car and its mechanical condition are both excellent. The body has been repainted in its original anthracite grey. Inside, the upholstery has also been completely restored. The car is now equipped with five BBS alloy wheels, which were listed as options in period.
Under the bonnet, the 1.6-litre engine has been replaced by a 2.0-litre Oettinger engine (developing 150bhp) in order to increase the car’s performance. This engine was entirely rebuilt at the Phega Sport garage by M. Houel, a specialist renowned for his knowledge of the Golf GTI Oettinger. The gearbox and running gear were also completely restored.
The car will be sold with its service booklet and owner’s manuals, the original 1.6-litre engine and five ATS alloy wheels (for future refurbishment). A substantial file of bills and photographs shows the different stages in the car’s restoration.
Understood to have covered just 2000km (1250 miles) since it was restored, this Golf is without doubt one of the finest Oettinger models on the market. Its owner’s exacting standards and the amount invested in its restoration make this an exceptional car. Vehicles of this quality rarely come up for sale; presented at an attractive estimated price, this model deserves your full attention. There can be no doubt that it is an opportunity not be missed!