Based on an original 1989 Rallye Golf
Built without compromise to period works specification
16-valve G60 engine producing 250 hp on the dyno
A tribute to the 1991 German Championship-winning car
Only a few hundred kilometres covered since restoration
When Volkswagen introduced the Rallye Golf in 1989, the worthy Wolfsburg hatchback had long since proved that it could do almost anything: family car, economical diesel, GTI and, thanks to the G60, even a fairly serious sports car. For rallying, however, something more was required. The result was a Golf II that looked as though it had spent several months in the gym.
Wider wheelarches, angular bumpers and rectangular headlamps immediately distinguished the Rallye from its more civilian siblings. Beneath the skin, things became even more interesting. The familiar G-Lader supercharger fed a four-cylinder engine reduced to 1,763 cc – not out of modesty, but to remain below the two-litre class limit once motorsport’s equivalency factor for forced induction was applied. The result was 160 hp. That may sound modest today, but at the time it was enough to make people take notice of a Golf.
Particularly as the power was not sent exclusively to the front wheels. Volkswagen’s Syncro four-wheel-drive system, using a viscous coupling, could also transfer drive to the rear when required. Technically, the Rallye Golf was therefore considerably more sophisticated than an ordinary GTI. The additional weight did, however, blunt some of its performance advantage. Compared with uncompromising homologation monsters such as the Lancia Delta Integrale or Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, it was perhaps missing just a little madness. Those who found the Rallye Golf too restrained could have the 16-valve engine installed on request. And anyone serious about going rallying could simply turn to Volkswagen’s motorsport department in Hanover.
The Rallye Golf was not built in Wolfsburg, but at Volkswagen’s plant near Brussels. Between 1989 and 1990, just 5,000 examples were produced, satisfying the required homologation volume. None of this came cheaply. At around DM 50,000, the Rallye cost roughly twice as much as a normal Golf GTI. For customers wanting still more, a 16-valve version was available through Volkswagen Motorsport at roughly another 50 per cent on top of the Rallye’s already considerable price. Reportedly, only twelve Rallye Golfs were built to this 16V specification.
The Rallye Golf never achieved the great competition career originally envisaged for it, although examples did compete in national championships. Volkswagen also worked on an entry for the World Rally Championship, but the project was shelved at an early stage.
Today, the Rallye Golf ranks among the most sought-after Golf rarities from Volkswagen. It combines a G-Lader, four-wheel drive and a distinctly muscular stance, yet remains unmistakably a Golf – albeit a very rare one.
This original Rallye Golf was rebuilt in 2017 by a Volkswagen dealership in cooperation with MPI Racing Technologies, following the period specification of Volkswagen’s motorsport department. Its fully rebuilt 16-valve G60 engine produces 250 hp on the dyno and delivers 320 Nm of torque. The gearbox, differential and complete braking system were likewise fully overhauled. The 16-inch Speedline magnesium wheels were restored, while the suspension was rebuilt with red Koni dampers. Even the exhaust system with catalytic converter was specially fabricated for the car.
Originally Graphite Grey, the body received new doors and windows before being refinished in the white of Volkswagen Motorsport. Inside, the Golf was given a new interior in the correct Rallye fabric combined with Audi Exclusive Nappa leather. Finally, the entire underside was wax-protected and the body finished in the livery of Erwin Weber and Manfred Hiemer’s competition car, which caused quite a stir in the 1991 German Rally Championship and secured the title for Volkswagen Motorsport.