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Most hot hatch enthusiasts whose adolescence was spent in the 1980's will remember when the
16V Golf GTi's were first introduced, as a replacement for the original Mk. 1 Golf GTi's, which were
the very first true FWD hot hatches. The Mk 2 Golf GTi 16V was not only better built than it's older
sibling, but now had a whisker under 140 bhp with better breathing courtesy of the 16V twin cam
head, to cope with an increase in weight of 120kg. In it's day, the 16V was the king of hot hatches,
offering a package of every-day performance, rock solid build quality and safety. The Mk. 2 Golf
was strongly built and held a strong reputation for quality & reliability (Click here & here to see
original VW 1990's Golf GTi U.K. Adverts).With it's go-cart like handling, it appealed especially to
younger drivers and therein many of those that survive today have been given hard lives at the
hands of young merciless drivers, or been extensively modified. Today there are very few left in
low mileage original condition, like this example.Many 1980's & 90's icons that are now collectable
have been increasing sharply in price and we can see they will continue to rise in value going
forward. We knew of Mk. 2 16V Golfs that had originally been supplied new in Japan and so we
searched and rejected several less than perfect examples till we finally came across this, after
nearly a year of searching. With genuinely very low mileage for a car of 1989, this must be one of
the lowest mileage examples today. Not only this, but having been in Japan all of it's life and (so
far) never registered or used in any other country has been golden for preservation of originality
and keeping it completely corrosion free.
To explain it's rust free condition, it's important to understand that in Japan, all roads are drained
of water through the use of efficient concrete storm ditches (there are heavy rains at times from
typhoons and Japan is 70% mountain terrain with forest, so safety is paramount). This means
there is no mud & debris washed onto roads during storms, unlike what is commonly seen in
Europe. Roads in Japan are also probably the best maintained worldwide, without potholes,
Volkswagen Golf GTi 16v Mk. II. Like new condition throughout, freshlyimported from Japan
Basic InfoRegistration date 11/1989Chassis Number WVWZZZ1GZKW7892
2Mileage 49600Color Grey Metallic (LP7V)OTR Price £ 12495
Detailed description
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mostly smooth surfaces with good grip, etc. Japan is also the country with the largest network of
roads in the world for a given area.No salt, grit or sand is laid on surfaces over winters in the most
populated areas, as urban towns & cities are invariably built on lower plains, due to risk of
earthquakes and consequential landslides that would be risked if building on mountain areas.
Because roads are well designed and maintained in Japan, this means undersides of Japanese
cars don't tend to be covered in electrolytic dirt and so when the underside gets wet in rain
corrosion is much less likely to develop. Essentially the cars are washed by clean rain in Japan if
they get wet and explains why cars used in Japan are typically completely rust free, including their
undersides and all components. By contrast if you feel the inner arch of a car that's been on British
roads for a decade or more, it will have corrugated dirt built up inside, which is electrolytic when
wet and therefore corrosive. Corrosion to these VW's was common in much of Europe, where they
were road driven.
In keeping with the history of it's life in Japan this example, although rust proofed as new from the
factory, has no corrosion at all to the underside. Even the fuel pump, although original still has
original nickel plating on hose fittings, black paint on brackets, etc. Note that in Japan it's not
uncommon for imports to be LHD despite being a RHD country. This is because after WW2 there
were no cars of good quality made in Japan yet, so imports were considered a status symbol. As
there is very little legal overtaking on the opposite side of the road in Japan, LHD remains a status
symbol. All exotica, Prestige and such are LHD in Japan. Performance & Suspension
Improvements: The exhaust has been uprated with a stainless steel sports back-box from Cox.
Note the remainder of the exhaust system is all original and still completely solid. Suspension has
been uprated with the use of coilovers & anti-roll bars by Auto Refine, Japan. These are
complimented by a front sub frame brace plus Auto Refine front & rear tower (aluminium) braces.
This is a specialist company that has built it's reputation on quality suspension for cars in Japan,
both imported and domestic. The result in this Golf 16V's case is a chassis that is compliant,
comfortable and confidence inspiring to corner enthusiastically with, offering reduced body-roll and
even better control & adjustability under hard cornering than standard. Note that the coilovers are
independently height adjustable too.Condition is unique: It would be easy for any enthusiast to
assume this car's condition is just like any other Golf that has been used through it's life on UK
roads, but the truth is close up in the places that are known to be problematic, these cars do suffer
from corrosion in the EU. Bolts seize, wheels corrode, interiors wear away, dashboards crack,
paint fades, etc. This example has been amazingly well preserved. The interior looks as if it's
barely been sat in. The body is completely straight and paintwork original and still beautiful, the
mechanicals (incl. suspension bushes, etc) all show low wear and best of all the chassis condition
is 100% corrosion free. Even the fuel pump's fittings still carry their original nickel plating and
bolts, etc. are rust free. If you compare to a UK car, it'll either have this covered in rust or a thick
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coating of underseal to hide the corrosion beneath it! The original wheels on this car and their
condition after 24 years of (occasional) use have zero corrosion, even on the inside. These too are
in perfect original factory condition. We are certain the first serious individual to view this unique
Golf GTi 16V Mk. 2 will be unable to resist its charms, it's that special.
This unique Golf GTi 16V Mk. 2 is now in the UK and has been registered, MOT'd and currently in
dry storage, ready for it's new owner and can be viewed by appointment. Being LHD we expect it
to find a new owner anywhere in Europe. It's been fully serviced & inspected, ready for any
challenge of driving through Europe too.
Price: £12,495 is inclusive of MOT, full UK registration, comprehensive UK warranty &
professional detailing just before delivery / collection.
Contact us if you're after the very best Mk. 2 Golf GTi 16V available. Hurry, if you're a serious
collector because once this is gone it may take another year to find a replacement in Japan, or
never again as the case is likely to be.Newera Imports - as recommended by our customers, club
members, magazines and marque specialists for the very best hand-picked cars from Japan.
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Photos
A stunning concours example selected to our high standards of excellence.
You'd be hard pushed to find a better preserved example worldwide.
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Bodywork condition is spectacular throughout.
Paintwork has been beautifully cared for since new.
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An amazingly original example.
A classic that will continue to appreciate strongly.
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Amazingly well preserved.
Supplied from new in Japan - this car has never seen salt, grit or mud to it's underside!
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A now favourite 80's & early 90's hot match icon that will continue to appreciate strongly.
A beautiful example in every way.
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Paintwork is very reflective.
A stunning design that still looks great today!
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Perfection in a Golf Mk 2 doesn't come better than this example.
Paintwork has been beautifully kept.
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Small bumper pre-facelift models will be rarer than large bumper models.
As perfect an example as can be found.
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An iconic 90's classic!
Interior is in excellent condition in keeping with the previous owner's attention to preservation.
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Cox (Japanese VW specialist) stainless steel exhaust.
Interior is unworn in keeping with low mileage.
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Seats are as new. Robust, Supple and offering plenty of support.
Seats are unworn in keeping with low mileage.
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Driver's seat is unworn in keeping with low original mileage.
Driver's seat is unworn in keeping with low original mileage.
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Driver's view.
Note original steering wheel, switchgear, etc. are all unworn.
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Odo shows total distance travelled in kms.
iPod compatible 200W Carrozzeria head unit is fitted (With uprated speakers).
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Cigarette lighter has previously been used, but there is no smell, no burns, etc.
Dashboard is unmarked with no cracks, etc.
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Original Japanese emergency flare.
Pedal rubbers are unworn in keeping wiht low original mileage.
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Like the fronts, the rear seats look like they've not been sat in.
Boot area is also unworn
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Roof lining is clean & unmarked.
Car also has a set of fitted mats, but pictures taken without to show original unmarked carpets.
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Original chassis number stamped on bulkhead.
ARC Anti roll bars and coilovers give excellent poise & ride for enthusiastic driving.
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Usually fuel pumps & fasteners are totally corroded. Note lack of corrosion on our's - this is thedifference with cars that have never been exposed to salt, grit, dirt, etc. as found in Europe!
Picture 58
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Out with one of our other cars for a drive in the countryside.
Out with one of our other cars for a drive in the countryside.
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(1). Starting with your inquiry, we provide a quote or e-mail communication, so that
we are clear on just what you are after. We ask for detailed information from you, so
we can provide an accurate quotation from the beginning. If you are inquiring about a
car from stock, steps (2) and (4) are not required.
(2). When sourcing to order, our quotation is based on your requirements. As long as
your budget is sufficient for the car youre after & the car is likely to be available, we
will be prepared to find the car you order, or better. Remember: even if you budget
too much, it doesnt matter. We operate a system of supplying the best car we can
find, plus a set fee of 900. If we can buy your car for a low price, then you make the
corresponding saving.
(3). When you are ready to proceed, we ask for a deposit (& completed order form, if
applicable). The deposit is usually 1,000. If you want a car worth over 10K OTR,
then the deposit is 1,500. The deposit is fully refundable without question, should
you for any reason need to cancel before a car is bought on your behalf. If you are
reserving a car from stock the deposit is refundable less costs and time incurred
provided you cancel 4 working days before shipment from Japan.
(4). Miguel, our buyer keeps you informed via e-mail periodically whilst searching
for your car. Sometimes it can take weeks, even months to find the right car. In
addition to Miguel attending the major Tokyo auctions daily, we have buyers
searching daily throughout Japan for the car you want. No news simply means we
havent found it yet. We dont buy the first car which comes along. It must meet or
exceed your requirements whilst not costing more than the OTR price we agreed,
though it frequently costs less.
(5). As soon as available, we will e-mail you up to 30 detailed photographs, showing
all aspects of your car. We also include a detailed description. Of course, total OTR
price is known at this stage, so we let you know. Cars are insured from the time
theyre bought, to the time they are completed & collected by you in UK.
(6). Usually, boats are available every 2-3 weeks, from Japan to UK (Southampton).
We arrange for your car to be shipped on the first vessel available. Around the time
the car is shipped, we ask for the second instalment. Typically this is approximately
How the Newera System Works
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60% of the cars OTR total cost. Note that the car we supply to you is fully insured at
all times prior to you collecting it.
(7) We arrange booking of the SVA test in advance - shortly after the car departs, so
that the car can be tested as soon as possible upon arrival to UK. We also inform our
UK agent of your full contact details and information on everything which needs doing,
to make sure the car wil be presented in beautiful condition.
(8). Shipping takes 5 weeks. Around 2 weeks before arrival, we ask you for the final
instalment, to cover Import duties, VAT, shipping, UK conversions, testing,
registraton etc.
(9). Before the car arrives, we arrange customs clearance, etc. so the car neednt
spend un-necessary time waiting at the docks upon arrival. It usually takes 3-4 days
for cars to be unloaded and cleared by UK customs.
(10). The car is sent from Southampton to our UK agents premises in Canterbury
aboard a car transporter. Upon arrival there, it is SVA converted, derestricted, SVA
tested & MOTd (If applicable).
All minor cosmetic work required (e.g. bumper scratches) is carried out. The car is
fully valetted just before you collect it.
(11). The car comes with 6 months road tax and is fully registered in your name as
the first UK keeper. If you have a suitable private number plate youd like to go on the
car, we can also arrange this, provided you have a DVLA retention certificate.
N.B. The entire system of how the Newera Imports system works, from
beginning to end is shown on Neweras DVD Skylines & Skyscrapers
This video can be ordered either through our website or sending a cheque
and return address to our UK office, details of UK office address, below.