Back in the day I used to be pretty familiar with the GTI and indeed Golfs in general but it was a shock to realise just how long it’s been since I drove the original. Thanks to the need to photograph an example for this month’s buying guide, the chance to revisit the MkI came courtesy of Ian Studley Cars near Bristol which loaned us an example from their forecourt.

The definition of what constitutes a classic is a very subjective thing of course, but even the most diehard waver of the British sports car flag would probably admit to having a sneaking admiration for the car which put serious performance into the realms of practical family transport.

Even today, a 30-year-old GTI feels remarkably modern in many ways and although I remember them being pretty quick in their time, I was surprised by just how lively it felt. So-called modern classics often feel like just another old car, but the GTI still has the capacity to charm – and just like any proper classic, good ones are becoming increasingly rare.

Not as rare though as the genuine factory-built Triumph TR8, especially if it’s an original right-hand drive example. Offering performance on a par with the German hatchback but with wedgy styling the boxy Golf could only dream of, the TR8 offers a glimpse into just how succesful the model could have been if it wasn’t canned before it had a chance.
And talking of the ultimate evolution of a classic British product, they don’t come more imposing than the Bentley Turbo R in this month’s road test. It’s significant for being the ultimate evolution of the Spirit-based cars but is also the last of the badge-engineered Bentleys to be produced before the Rolls and Bentley became independent of one another once more.

And if you don’t have Bentley money to burn, then take a look at this month’s twin test. The Merc SL and the BMW 6-Series were also outrageously pricey when new but today can be acquired for MGB money. In 628 and 280 form, they’re marginally less thirsty too...

Paul Wager, Editor

For all this and much more see the Spring 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart.