Everyone knows the VW Golf GTI and its high-performance AWD Golf R brother. However, one car in VW’s performance history most people might not know of is the Golf Rallye. And now, one’s for sale.
The Golf Rallye was built by VW as a way to take on the dominant Lancia Delta Integrale in Group A rally. While they did see some success with the front-wheel-drive Golf GTI, they needed a proper all-wheel-drive car to compete in Group A with the big boys.
Read More: The VW Golf R Story Starts With The 1989 Golf Rallye
As such, Volkswagen took a GTI, decreased its displacement by 18cc, gave it a supercharger and the all-wheel-drive system from the Golf Synchro, then produced 5,000 roadgoing examples in order to properly meet proper FIA homologation regulations. With 158 hp (160 PS / 118 kW) and 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) of torque sent to all four wheels through its manual transmission, the car was plenty powerful, but unfortunately, it was too heavy to succeed. At the very least, it gave the public got a very unique road car.
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Looking like a baby Audi Quattro, this one for sale in Sweden is listed at the equivalent of USD$45,689. For that money, you get the rare rally-bred predecessor to the modern Golf R that has just 2,238 km (1,453 mi) on its odometer. However, the car in question also has a handful of modifications, some of which include K&W adjustable suspension, and a control system for the Haldex differential in addition to various rebuilds and replacements for suspension and braking components. We have a feeling though that the combination of the Compomotive wheels with the custom Integrale-style hood might be a bit too much for some though as it makes this Rallye more like a Lancia than a VW.
What do you think? Is this Golf Rallye worth the money? Let us know in the comments.
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