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- Chassis # WVWZZZ1GZMW630162
- VW's Factory-Built Off-Roader
- A Highly Original And Well Maintained Example
- Recently Imported From Europe With All Supporting Documentation
- Mechanically Strong And Ready For Enjoyment
- Sale Includes 2 Sets Of Keys, Factory Manuals And Documents, Jack And Spare, And Available Service Documents
The Overview
In 1983, VW introduced the Golf Mk2, the second generation of VW’s successor to the famed Beetle. The Golf Mk2 was larger, heavier, and designed in-house by VW’s design director Herbert Schäfer. Throughout its nine-year production span, the Golf Mk2 was equipped with a number of I4 engines, ranging in displacement from 1.0 L to 2.0 L. The car was also sold under various model names, like the GTI, the Rallye, or the Syncro, with each offering a different experience from the base Mk2. Another model that stood out from the rest in numerous ways was the off-road-focused Golf Country that VW developed in conjunction with Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Austria. Compared to the standard Golf, the Country had 21 centimeters (8.3 in) of ground clearance, more suspension travel, the Syncro four-wheel-drive system front, and rear bullbars, an engine skid plate, a protective sub-frame, and an externally-mounted spare wheel. Under the hood was the 1.8 L I4 1P engine that put out 98 hp. Only 7,735 examples were made.
This particular example, Chassis # WVWZZZ1GZMW630162, we believe is highly original and finished in blue with the factory “Country” decals and a gray tweed interior with green, blue, and red stripes adorning many of the surfaces. This Golf Country was purchased on October 9, 1992, in the Netherlands and was in the first owner’s possession for the next 16 years. The car was driven rather sparingly to summertime vacations and various Volkswagen events it attended. During that period, it was always serviced at authorized VW service stations at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. The second owner shared the passion of VW ownership of the first owner, and thus continued maintaining it in the same manner, something that is seen in the complete and well-stamped factory service book. From what we have been told, both of these owners were Golf Country enthusiasts and kept the cars as part of collections, this explains why the odometer currently reads just 138,764 km (86,223 mi) driven in 30 years.
Part of the comprehensive servicing was at 132km at Verbruggen Auto, where the front axles and driveshaft were rebuilt, and the exhaust received new gaskets, clamps and muffler. It later made its way to MB Classic, a Mercedes and Volkswagen specialist dealer in Balk, Netherlands. In their possession, the Golf Country received a full service at both M.V.D Heijden Autocentrum Zijtaart and Garagebedrijf Hendriks that included rear wheel brake cylinders, new oil and air filters, spark plugs, distributor, timing belt, and four brand new Continental 195/60 R15V tires. We purchased the car from MB Classic in November of 2021, imported it to the US, and took it to Chassis Suspension Engines in Oreland, PA on February 4, 2022. They installed an idle control valve, lubricated the driver’s window regulator and channels, and adjusted the second gear shift gate. We also treated it to a detail at Autocar Bespoke in Philadelphia, PA that consisted of an interior vacuum, a one-stage paint correction, and an undercarriage and engine bay steam clean.
The Golf Country was built in relatively small numbers and most lived hard lives as they were well suited to small country living predominantly in Europe. It is occasional to find these cars with all the factory Country additions still in place and it is very rare for all the goodies to be in excellent shape. The interior fabric for the seats is specific to the Country and seldom are all the seats in remarkable shape with the “Syncro” headrests all accounted for. The black plastic trim that is on these cars is often washed out, misaligned, and brittle, but on this vehicle, it is all excellent. The front and rear brush guards, lights, skid plates, spare tire, wheels, etc are often well used, but you can tell this car everything has been preserved. From the doors, windows, and switchgear to the hatch all still have that German solid feel. This cherished Golf Country is the perfect blend of compact German comfort and capable off-road warrior. Whether it’s a cruise down the PCH or some Gambler 500-style dirt adventures, this car can take it all in stride!
Upon purchase, the new owner will receive two keys, the original document holder, service book, and owner’s manual, alongside a number of service receipts and an official RDW odometer report.
The Details
exterior
body and paint
The factory blue metallic paint has a consistent and deep luster and is indicative of a well-cared-for vehicle. The paint is largely original though it takes a paint meter to find where there has been touched up. Paintwork appears to be limited to the hood, driver’s fender, and the top half of the driver’s door. Paint meter readings are provided in the gallery. There are no records in the Netherlands of the car being involved in an accident, and the body does not show any evidence of any previous issues. There are a few minor chips and scratches which would be expected from a vehicle catered to offroading, but nothing that takes away from the overall appearance of the car. Overall the body is very straight, there are no serious dings or dents. The factory decals look to be original and in excellent condition. The car is straight, with well-aligned and clean panel gaps.
glass and trim
All the windows appear to be factory with VW logos and the original factory security etchings are still in place. The window trim and gaskets are all in excellent condition and are secure and well-aligned. The rub strips are again in excellent shape with some very small imperfections. The lower side moldings are in good condition with a few imperfections. The access panels are relatively well aligned. The wheel arch extensions are in excellent condition with good color. The front and rear bumpers are in good condition, though the rear bumper does have some small scrapes. The front brush guard is in good condition with some minor scratches and imperfections. The rear bumper step extensions have some slight surface rust and scratches, as well as a small dent. The side mirrors are secure and do not look weathered. All the lights are clear, clean, and in excellent shape, though the front auxiliary lights do have some clouding.
wheels
The factory Speedline wheels are straight and free of any curb rash or obvious imperfections. There is some slight oxidations. The swing-away spare is clean and in excellent condition.
notable flaws
Overall the exterior is impressive and shows little wear. There has been paintwork but it is hard to find and was done professionally. The car was driven so there are some minor scratches, touch-ups, and imperfections. The rear bumper step extensions are a little worn. The black plastic trim and bumpers that often do not age well have held up remarkably well on this vehicle.
interior
seats and surfaces
The interior is in near showroom condition and all original by our inspections. There are some very minor imperfections on the seats and headliner, and a few scratches here and there but one has to look very carefully to find them. The carpet is clean and tight, same with the door panels and the headliner.
functionality and accessories
All the gauges, switches, stalks and etc work well. The Blaupunkt stereo was well installed and sounds great, though there is some crackling occasionally from the rheostat when adjusting the volume.
engine bay and trunk
engine bay
The engine bay is clean, and orderly and looks to have always been professionally maintained. None of the hardware under the hood has noticeable surface rust or oxidation. Some of the wiring could benefit from some sorting but overall the engine bay looks well looked after, very original and correct.
trunk area
The trunk carpet is straight and all the plastic trim is in place. The carpet does have some stains and discoloration. The factory jack and tools are accounted for.
Underside
The underside of the car is straight and there are no signs of impacts. There is undercoating but it does not appear to be covering any issues. The suspension looks solid and well maintained. There is some surface rust on the rear brake drums and on a few other parts.
notable flaws
The driver’s side interior window gasket is slightly deformed, there are a few scratches in the interior, the trunk carpet has stains, and the underside has undercoating.
mechanicals
engine
The car starts quickly and runs well. These motors are known for their longevity and this unit, including the Bosch fuel injection, is the same configuration sold in America at the time. Parts and maintenance should be easy and relatively inexpensive. The car has benefitted from a recent timing belt replacement and service making it turn-key and ready for enjoyment.
transmission
The transmission shifts easily into all the gears, and the clutch picks up feels appropriate. The transmission is a bit notchy but is tactile and pleasurable to drive.
brakes and suspension
The increased ride height does make this small car have a little body roll and brake dive, but the steering is tight and direct while the suspension is quiet and feels well maintained.
tires
The tires have a production date of 2020 and have a few hundred miles on them.
notable flaws
There is a slight click from passenger front wheel every so often on slow, sharp turns.
driving experience
The VW Country is a thrilling driving experience in an unconventional way. It feels just as comfortable and capable of going 70 mph down the highway as it does navigating mild off-road terrain. That is the beauty of what is essentially a lifted VW Golf; the best of both worlds. It is a factory “Safari” style build before these builds were in vogue. The Country is confidence inducing with the steering wheel giving the proper amount of heaviness, the suspension handles all normal and abnormal potholes and bumps with ease, and the power is linear. Shifts are notchy and feel great. It is the perfect off-roader for a city dweller!