INFO GUIDE: 1976 - 1983 Volkswagen Golf MK1 GTI

The trim pattern / colour fitted to a MK1 GTI depends on the year model and the paint colour of the car. The original trim code will also appear on the vehicle's build label / sticker, found in the trunk of the car (see last image). The colours and codes available on the GTI included those listed below, with availability outlined in the table.

• Black-Red tartan (Codes: 12 / EW)
• Black-Silver tartan (Codes: 18 / EY)
• Black-Red stripe (Code: KL)
• Black-Silver stripe (Code: KM)
• Green stripe (Code: KU)
• Smoke Grey (Code: UH) (Rare - not pictured)

Note: Each reference to a year model below refers to a production year, beginning in August of the previous year. (I.e., 1978 refers to August 1977 - July 1978)

The GTI had a major interior revision from August 1980, and this section has been split into pre and post-facelift. Only the most significant interior features / changes have been outlined in this section.

Pre-facelift series 1 features (1976 - July 1980):

• Trim pattern options were as per the table in section 2 of this guide (consisting of black-red or black-silver tartan).
• Glovebox lid added August 1977 (previously an open cavity).
• Speakers in rear parcel shelf added from August 1978.
• Engine temperature warning light standard from August 1978.
• Gear pattern was printed on gear knob from August 1979. 
• Aluminium three spoke wheel with leather wrapped rim and deep black rubber central boss with the "Wolfsburg" logo in the middle.
• Two lower dashboard instruments (temperature and clock).
• Two-point lap rear seatbelts.

Post-facelift series 2 features (August 1980 - 1983):

• Revised dashboard layout introduced.
• Trim pattern options were as per the table in section 2 of this guide (black-red stripe, black-silver stripe, green stripe, smoke grey stripe). Front seats had new square adjustable headrests, and a horizontal seam on the rear of the backrest. Rear seats had a revised (lower) squab design and thinner middle seat.
• Introduction of a new 4-spoke steering wheel.
• New plastic coating applied to door cards and rear side panels.
• The three lower dashboard console instruments (voltage, oil pressure, temperature).
• In September 1982, a MFA trip computer was added.  The lower dashboard console instruments mentioned above were replaced by a blanking plate (instruments were reinstalled by some owners).
• January 1981 saw the introduction of a fuel economy gauge, change-up light and A pillar trims.
• Three-point belts introduced to the rear seats (middle retained 2-point).
• Retention strap added to jack and spare tyre well.

The Golf MK1 GTi was available in the following paint colours. Each colour below has the relevant vehicle production year(s) in which it was available:

Paint code location:

The paint code is located on the body label / sticker (sometimes referred to as the paint label). This is in the boot / trunk area of the car, under the carpets, stuck to the metal. These tend to peel off over time, and are often missing. An example of a label and paint code have been provided in the images. A big thanks to passiongolfgti.com for some of the information here.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI MK1 has two potential chassis prefixes:

1. Chassis number – Pre-August 1980 Golf GTI MK1:

Example: 1763123456

2. Chassis number – August 1980 onward Golf GTI MK1:

Example: WVWZZZ17ZCW123456

Location: The chassis number is located in three positions on the MK1 GTI:

1. Embossed / stamped into the aluminium ID plate (pop riveted to the front crossmember / slam panel in front of the radiator).

2. Stamped into the firewall / bulkhead top, on the front of the wiper cowling panel. The black rain tray will have a window cut out of it where the chassis number displays.

3. Printed on the body label located in the trunk.