Digestible Collectible: 1984 Volkswagen GTI

Once again, I’m dazzled by those wheels, just like the Quantum we looked at last week. I’m a sucker for clean, well-styled factory wheels: Oldsmobile Rally wheels, Fuchs found on Porsches, Rostyles worn by so many British cars. The Volkswagen “Snowflake” wheel is another that is difficult to improve upon by the aftermarket.

For some reason, that hasn’t stopped VW enthusiasts from “improving” their cars with incongruous tire and wheel widths and double-digit camber settings. “Stance” culture isn’t exclusive to the Wolfsburg faithful, but it has infected too many good cars.

Thus, today’s Digestible Collectible isn’t merely a collective dream/drool session over some random old car. I write today to plead with you, the good denizens of the Internet, to keep classics like this 1984 Volkswagen GTI safe from the ill-advised “tuners” of the world.

I need someone with more money than I (basically covers everyone here) to buy this GTI, and pledge the following oath:

I will keep it basically stock. Any modifications can easily be reversed, as I will keep all original parts neatly boxed and tagged for the next owner.

I will drive it regularly. If I happen to live in a salt-covered wasteland like Ohio, I pledge to store it properly until the crap is washed from the roads.

I will keep the original wheels, fitted with appropriately-sized tires.

This GTI is overpriced, especially considering the mileage. The photos might be misleading, as there seem to be dings and nicks in the paint that show in some pics but not in others. But mechanically? Perfect. As is the interior. Even if the car needs some cosmetic help, it would be a good deal for around $9,000.

This is the OG hot hatch, after all, and will be the bellwether collectible for all other sporty compacts of the era.

Chris Tonn is a broke classic car enthusiast that writes about old cars, since he can’t afford to buy them. Commiserate with him on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.