1984 Volkswagen Golf II GTI 3 Doors Photos, engines & full specs

At the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled one of the most awaited vehicles from that year, the second generation of the Golf, which was available right from the start with three or five doors.

Thanks to its predecessor that paved the way for more desirable and affordable hatchbacks, the compact-sized German vehicle was sold in over six million units. Volkswagen knew that it had to provide a sportier version for it, and thus it offered the car in the GTI grade. These three letters meant not just more power under the hood, but also a unique-looking interior and better suspension. Nevertheless, the price was very affordable.

For Europe, the Golf II sported round headlights and a wedged shape that was easy to recognize. The U.S. customers received a slightly different version, with squared headlights and a similar black slatted grille. Both versions featured plastic, wrapped-around bumpers front and rear, albeit the U.S. version provided fatter ones to pass the safety standards. Sporting longer doors than its five-door sibling, the 3-Door version became a vehicle desired by many young drivers. Finally, they had a sporty hatchback that could embarrass some sports cars on a tight track or on a winding road.

Inside, the carmaker installed an angular-looking dashboard, and a squared instrument cluster extended the center stack. For the base trim level, the Golf featured a speedometer and a clock, with an option for a tachometer. The upper trim levels and the GTI were available with a trip computer, either as an option or standard. Like its five-door sibling, the three-door version featured a split-folding bench seat in the back, thus expanding the trunk size.

The GTI came fitted with a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated engine, offered with either eight or sixteen valves. Later on, the automaker offered a supercharged version that provided more power, although that wasn't that much desired.