ABT Says Happy Birthday To VW Golf By Remembering Its First Golf Mk1 Tuning Job

VW celebrates the Golf's 40th anniversary this year and VW tuner ABT has reasons to celebrate too. The German aftermarket specialist offered its first spiced-up version of the VW Golf in 1982, a year before the launch of the second-generation compact model.

Using the VW Golf GTI Mk1 as a starting point, ABT added a 7-inch widebody kit and a performance package that upgraded the standard GTI's 1.8-liter engine from 108hp (110PS) to 161hp (163PS), thanks to the addition of a KKK exhaust gas turbocharger from the Audi Quattro.

Boasting a power-to-weight ratio of 5.2 kg/hp (11.4 lbs/hp), ABT's Golf GTI was able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds, making it only 0.3 seconds slower to 100 km/h than the current 220PS VW Golf GTI Mk7.

Obviously, engine tuning involved more than just adding a turbocharger, with ABT using high-end components like autothermal pistons and a special crankshaft. The tuner also modified the suspension and added wheel spacers made of steel. The alloy wheels were shod with wide-base tires, for 1982 at least: 205/60R13.

Interior upgrades featured a white-leather sport-type steering wheel and various additional instruments. The price for all these goodies? 15,000 Deutsch Marks, or about €7,700.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY