{{ $t('Summary') }}
In 1989 the Rallye Golf appeared as a rallye "homologation special". Notable for its flared wheel arches (similar to the Audi quattro, BMW E30 M3 and Lancia Delta Integrale) and rectangular projector headlamps, this model featured Syncro four-wheel drive, a cable-shift transmission and a 1763 cc G-supercharger (slightly less than the usual 1781 cc to comply with displacement rules) version of the injected 8-valve G60 1.8 liter engine. Five thousand cars were built at Volkswagen's factory in Brussels, Belgium, priced at about DM 50,000 each (or about twice as much as a base Golf GTI). The Rallye Golf has 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp). This example is not a competition version - the interior looks good and has stood the test of time. The exterior shows some signs of use and lack of care. All shown in the photo gallery.
{{ $t('History') }}
In the early 1980s, Volkswagen was the market leader in the GTi hot-hatch sector. But then Peugeot came up with its fast and light 205GTI - and the Sochaux company that further polished its image by getting involved in rallying. This was an area that was neglected by Volkswagen, but now it knew it had to respond. It was therefore decided to participate with the Golf in the Group A rally championship from 1989. This required a production run of 5000 units and in March 1989 gave birth to the Golf Rallye, which was to be built at VW's Belgian factory in Forest, near Brussels. Lancia then dominated rally sport with its Delta, equipped with a highly efficient four-wheel drive system. Volkswagen followed suit and also used a supercharged engine, taking advantage of technology already in use on the G60 Corrado coupe.
{{ $t('Exterior') }}
On the outside, the plump cheeks immediately stand out. Unlike the aftermarket, these are not plastic fittings, but part of the bodywork to accommodate the wider track and wide 205 tires on 15-inch rims. The voluminous side sills, the angular twin headlights, the small rear spoiler and of course the obligatory double exhaust all match. This copy has first signs of rust in a number of places. Not all lines are equally beautiful - this kid needs some "TLC" (tender loving care) to bring him back to level worthy of a homologation version of a rally car.
{{ $t('History Paintwork') }}
The car was definitely repainted. Unfortunately there is corrosion bubble formation in a number of places - all were shown in the photo gallery.
{{ $t('Interior') }}
Inside you can expect the typical hard plastic charm of the time, but also Recaro clamps that welcome the driver with large bolsters spread on the side. The ideal seating position is quickly found, even without a thousand adjustment options. The special partial leather Rallye seats show no serious wear and have a nice patina. Furthermore, the interior is in pretty good and original condition.
{{ $t('Engine and Gearbox') }}
To get the power of the Über Golf II to the ground, the engineers gave the Rallye Golf the all-wheel drive of the Golf syncro with the Visco clutch, which brought the rear axle into the pull only when the front wheels lacked traction. The sleek sports suspension matched this. With a turn of the key, the inflated four-cylinder comes to life. When breaking in and warming up, the Rally Golf shows its civilized side. But one thing immediately stands out. The gearbox has a wonderfully gritted teeth, has a short stroke and the gear lever can be operated accurately. Here the driver is still the boss of the house and has his skills in his own hands. Every small movement of the accelerator pedal is returned by the compact sports car with an eager jerk.
{{ $t('Maintenance info') }}
There are no records of a recent maintenance.
{{ $t('Maintenance Documentation') }}
The maintenance documents are present. The car underwent a complete engine overhaul in 2014, as documented.
{{ $t('Known Issues') }}
Localised limited corrosion - all areas shown in the picture gallery
{{ $t('Non original parts') }}
Aftermarket radio/CD was mounted
{{ $t('What we should know') }}
Homologation specials have skyrocketed in value lately, so now could be the time to buy a Golf with a real difference at an even reasonable price.
