The MK1 Volkswagen Golf is well-known for its versatility. It was intended as an affordable sports car that blends practicality with enjoyment. Over the years, the GTI’s adaptability has ensured its continued relevance, even four decades after its debut. This is evident in the tuned version featured here, which performs impressively at a Swiss hillclimb event. Instead of the typical turbo noises expected at such competitions, this MK1 enchants us with its naturally aspirated growl throughout the five-minute video.
It’s clear that driving this Golf presents challenges. Visually, the car can be seen drifting through chicanes, occasionally lifting onto three wheels during turns, showcasing both its rigid design and race-inspired build. The onboard footage captures the effort required by driver Daniel Wittwer as he maneuvers the vehicle with precision, navigating a tight space mostly occupied by a full roll cage that enhances its racing-focused characteristics. This formidable design results in a vehicle tailored for speed and performance.
The car’s performance is as thrilling as its sound. It features a heavily modified 2.0-liter 16-valve engine, originally from the later MK2 Golf, although it likely shares few components with the stock version. This powerhouse is paired with a sequential gearbox, which continues to deliver power to the front wheels, preserving some of the original GTI dynamics.
.
