In 20 years’ time will we be writing a similar story for the Mk4 Golf? Who knows. What we do know is the Mk1 Golf design is over 40 years old and has never been more popular than it is now. Retro is definitely cool, and the Mk1 Golf Owners Club proved that conclusively with their annual show.

Almost 200 Mk1 variants descended on Uttoxeter racecourse in celebration of the club’s 10th anniversary and to pledge their allegiance to the pioneer of the hot hatch, and the leader of the Golf generation. Whether you own a ’90s Citi Golf, a Cabriolet, a Caddy, a tin top GTI or a 5 door family car, you had everything in common with your fellow club members for 48 hours. There were some Jettas and Sciroccos thrown in for good measure too, sharing the same underpinnings they were equally welcome at the party.

Talking Golf occupies a lot of the weekend for many, but time is also given aside to what these cars do best as well. Over 120 Mk1s took to the streets on a mystery tour; a number got lost, but still the fun is in driving.. And they all made it back in the end!

When you’re not talking or driving (eating, drinking or sleeping) there are bits to be bought, and I was pleased to be trading at the show with VW Heritage for a second year, having a great time chatting projects and looking up the parts you were after.
Auto Jumble is always a magnet for owners of classic VWs, and this show was no let down, a number of stalls with all manner of goodies kept the bargain hunters happy, and hopefully relocated some hard to find parts into the right hands, keeping these great cars on the roads for another 40 years.

Whether you had taken your own Mk1 along, or were in search of inspiration for a project back at home, Sunday was the day to go if you wanted to check out cars. The Show and Shine had never been busier and represented all corners of the Mk1 spectrum. The weekend was rounded off nicely with a raffle, and prize giving for the real stars of the show.

Talking of stars.. the beige ’79 you see above; the owner had driven from Milan to be there, that’s dedication!

Want to see more of my pics? Check out our Flickr photostream here.

Next year? Well of course.. see you there!

Andy