A2 Golf GTI (Mk2)

The legendary original Golf GTI was released in Germany in 1976.

Australians had to wait almost seven years after the finer but less fun second generation Golf iteration was released, and by then it wasn’t the desirable 16-valve version anyway.

Powered by a 77kW/155Nm 2.0-litre single-cam four-cylinder engine when its closest Japanese Corolla rival pumped out 100kW, the GTI buyer had to be contented with composed handling and sweet steering abilities.

Only the single five-door hatchback model arrived, fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Air-conditioning, power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, sports seats, power mirrors, fog lights and central locking were standard.

A three-speed auto joined the range from early ’91.