INFO GUIDE: 1983 Volkswagen Golf MK1 GTI Campaign

There were three trim pattern / colours fitted to the GTI Campaign, and the trim applied depends on the paint colour of the car. 

The original trim code will also appear on the vehicle's build label / sticker, which can be found in the trunk of the car (see images for a better description of the location). 

The colours and codes available on the GTI Campaign included those listed below, with availability based on paint colour outlined in the table.​

• Black-Red stripe (Code: KL)
• Black-Silver stripe (Code: KM)
• Black-Green stripe (also known as 'Black-Petrol') (Code: KU)

Variations of these paint colours and interior trims have been cited on several vehicles, but these are generally believed to have been cars privately ordered from Germany. Cars ordered directly from Germany could be fitted with the buyer's interior of choice.

Note: All Campaign edition cars were fitted with black carpet, door trims and roof lining.

The Campaign edition GTI shared many of the same interior specifications as the standard 1983 MK1 GTI, which had received several upgrades from earlier models. The features listed are therefore not necessarily unique to the Campaign edition.

• Trim pattern options were as per the table in section 2 of this guide (black-red stripe, black-silver stripe, black-green stripe). Front seats had 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 than earlier models.
• As a 1983 model, all Campaign edition cars came with the upgraded dashboard features and designs (introduced from August 1980 on the GTI range).
• 4-spoke leather bound steering wheel with GTI embossed on the plastic centre.
• Multi-function digital trip computer ('MFA computer').
• The introduction of the MFA computer meant that the lower dash console (which previously housed 3 instruments) was replaced with a blanking plate. Note, many owners have since re-installed the instruments for a better look.
• Internally adjustable door mirrors.
• Golf ball gear knob with gear pattern printed in white on top.
• 3 point seatbelts applied to all seats (other than the rear middle seat which retained a lap belt).
• Revised door lock pins (MK2 type).
• Late model MK1 GTIs including the Campaign received a retention strap over the spare wheel and jack in the trunk.
• Radios and tape decks were dealer fitted items, and often included Blaupunkt and Panasonic units. Two commonly cited examples of a Blaupubkt unit are provided in the images.

The following factory paint colours / codes were available on the GTI Campaign edition. Samples of the colours have been provided and labelled in the images.

Note: Although Atlas Grey does not appear on original brochures as an option for the GTI Campaign, several enthusiasts have confirmed that a number were built in such a colour, and several examples have been cited. We have not, however, confirmed whether the Atlas Grey cars cited were produced in August/September (per the Campaign edition's officially announced period).

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, stuck to the metal in the rear of the trunk (between the tail lights). These tend to peel off over time, and may be missing. An example of a label and paint code have been provided in the images.

The chassis number for a MK1 GTI Campaign edition Golf should be in the following format: WVWZZZ17ZEW######

* Important note: With respect to the 10th character in the chassis prefix, the most common prefix for the Campaign is "E" rather than "D". Chassis "E" indicates a car built from August 1983, which is consistent with the 'dealer' announced production period of the Campaign edition. Vwgolfmk1.org.uk notes, however, that they also accept cars with the "D" code as genuine Campaign cars. To qualify with a "D" code, however, the car must have been built on or after 1 April 1983. Therefore, if it is a "D" chassis car, it must have a unique chassis number 448,319 or higher (based on a 1 April production commencement).

The chassis number itself insufficient to confirm whether the car is a genuine Campaign, without obtaining a 'birth certificate' from Volkswagen. This chassis number also applied to other late model GTIs, and without Volkswagon's official records, acts only as a guide to confirm the vehicle was produced within the correct timeframe to qualify as a Campaign edition. Further checks of the model code, options codes and other features of the car as outlined in this guide will be necessary to determine a Campaign's authenticity. If you are uncertain, we recommend enquiring with VW directly, who can provide you with details based on a VIN.

Chassis number 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 cross-member / 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.

4. Printed a barcode label placed on the inner B-pillar of the door.