You Need This: Turbo Mk2 GTI project with Zender body kit and wheels

Believed to be a U.K. market example, this GTI project was recently retrieved from a storage unit in Australia.

While the GTI is rough around nearly every edge, it does sport a desirable Zender body kit and alloy wheels.

It’s not all looks, though, as the VW has also been fitted with a Turbo Technics turbocharger.

Today, the GTI’s odometer shows 98,405 kilometers–about 61,146 miles–and is accompanied by several spare parts, including various new door seals, a hood, front strut tower brace and a front bumper assembly.

Find this 1982 Volkswagen Golf GTI for auction from Donington Auctions with an estimated value of $2000-$4000 AUD, or approximately $1300-$2600. (Note: The car will need to be imported into the U.S. after the auction closes, as it currently resides in Australia.)

Comments

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/22/25 12:40 p.m.

Well the second and third photos sure are sobering, huh?

I still have my master Zender catalog up on the shelf.

300zxfreak Reader
7/22/25 1:31 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

"Sobering" is not quite what comes to my mind........

300zxfreak Reader
7/22/25 1:32 p.m.

In the third photo, I'm having trouble figuring out just what I'm looking at.......

Trent UltimaDork
7/22/25 1:45 p.m.

That melting Mk1 grill crudely mashed in place gives strong AI slop vibes.

Colin Wood Associate Editor
7/22/25 2:15 p.m.

This might be a silly question, but would it be more worthwhile to take all the Zender bits off, put them on another GTI and then scrap the rest?

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/22/25 2:34 p.m.

In reply to Colin Wood :

Maybe? Not sure if that was a bond-on kit.

Coniglio Rampante GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
7/22/25 3:44 p.m.

I like VW's, but none of my money would go towards this mess. I wonder how much for the Citroen in the background of photo #2?

JVO6 New Reader
7/22/25 8:08 p.m.

First off this brings back memories of wearing out the pages of an actual Zender catalog I somehow got my hands on back in the day. Lost of cool points.
But.... are those LHD wipers on a RHD car?

Imalexodell New Reader
7/22/25 11:00 p.m.

I wonder what it would realistically cost to get it stateside ...

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/23/25 11:15 a.m.

JVO6 said:
First off this brings back memories of wearing out the pages of an actual Zender catalog I somehow got my hands on back in the day. Lost of cool points.
But.... are those LHD wipers on a RHD car?

You know, those wipers do look a bit LHD-y....