The Rallye Golf with its muscular flared arches, lively 1763cc 160bhp G-lader engine and 4WD has always been highly sought after here. And guess what we’ve just spotted? An ’89 example with just 19k on the clock that looks as fresh as the day it trundled out of the VW factory in Brussels a quarter of a century ago…

The Rallye Golf was made as a homologation special, though an early mix up regarding FIA regulations meant that it never realised its true potential as a top competition tool. Which is a shame really because it’s an awesome beast that looks special and features all sorts of innovative features such as electronically controlled ABS, power steering as well as a high level of spec. It’s rare now, too, as only 5000 exited the factory in Belgium where they were made and just 70 or so were officially imported into the UK.

When they announced the Rallye, VW claimed a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 130mph – all courtesy of the fizzy supercharged 1.8 under the bonnet. That’s still pretty rapid, even by today’s standards, with its banshee-like whine from the ‘charger adding to the drama. Meanwhile, the car’s clever syncro 4WD, stiffer suspension and beefier anti-roll bars kept things sensible when the car was pushed to its limits. Equipment unique to the model included front and rear bumpers with integrated aprons, a three-bar grille, distinctive dual projector headlamps recessed behind rectangular lenses, foglights, front and rear spoilers, green tinted glass, an electrically amplified roof aerial for the stereo, as well as remote-control exterior mirrors.

Inside, the two sports front seats were usually part trimmed in leather and there was a leather rimmed four-spoke steering wheel. Options included a sunroof, electric windows, central locking and Recaro pews. A limited number of body colour options included Black, Tornado Red, Blue Pearl, Green Pearl and Graphite Metallic grey.

The Rallye was originally priced at £16,940 in the UK which equates to very roughly €21,200 which was about £6000 more than a Mk2 Golf GTI at the time. So why, you may ask, would anyone pay €49,800 for one today? Good question, but perhaps the fact that this one – advertised on German site www.mobile.de – has only covered a mere 19,200km (12,000 miles) might have something to do with it. The Rallye was first registered in June 1989 and is described as being in original condition, accident free and accompanied by a full VAG service history.

So if you want to experience what it was like owning a Rallye from new, this could be a rare opportunity. Alternatively, for a fraction of the price (£14,995), you could avoid the trip to Germany and check out this Graphite grey one at 4 Star Classics in Hampshire.

It’s only done 73,087km (45,414 miles) so we expect it’s still got a similar factory fresh feel as its German sibling. With the current retail price of a Golf GTi at £26,580, you’ll be saving over ten grand and have the added bonus of owning a rare and rapidly appreciating classic. And with that money, you could work with a specialist to easily get the Rallye’s 0-62mph time down to that of the GTi’s (6.5secs). In our opinion, it’s a no brainer. What do you say?

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage