Reader’s Rides
JEFF SNAPE’S1990 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI (UK MARKET) LAKE ST. LOUIS, MO This month’s Reader’s Rides is a hot hatch icon...the Golf GTI. The Golf was born in 1974 and the GTI version in 1976. In 1978, with the purchase of an automotive plant here in the states, the Golf came to the US as the Rabbit and was sold as such until 1983. VW was the first manufacturer to produce cars in the US paving the way for many others. In 1985 VW released the Golf GTI in the US as the 2nd generation (MK2) Golf option. The GTI was a hit, in fact, it was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1985. Many refer to the Golf GTI as the first true Hot Hatch inspiring a whole new category and a lot of today’s modern-day performance hatches. As of today, there have been many variants of the Golf GTI and is now in its seventh generation (actually 7.5). Today the Golf GTI enjoys the company of a brother car...the Golf R, which features more horsepower and all-wheel drive performance. However, many consider the GTI to be the sweet spot choice that has a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality... however in a good way. Any enthusiast driver will agree without a doubt that it is the perfect combination of a daily driver and back road carver. This all brings us to this month’s unique Reader’s Ride...Jeff Snape’s 1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI (UK Market). Jeff is originally from the UK and went with his father to the dealership in Wrexham, North Wales at the age of 8 years old to pick up his dad’s new car—the 1990 Golf GTI. The car served as an “emergency vehicle” equipped with emergency service radios, emergency blue lights, and a siren. You see Jeff’s dad worked as a senior fire officer in Cheshire, England. The car has responded to various accidents, chemical spills, and even terrorist activity. The car also served as the main family car. Jeff’s family always serviced the GTI by a GTI Engineering specialist based at the renowned Silverstone Racing Circuit in England and later by Central VW Audi, a local specialist. At the age of 19, Jeff took over ownership. Then the car sat in storage in Jeff’s parent’s garage for 8 years after Jeff made the move to the US,
as the car was not old enough to be legally imported to the states. Jeff heard from a lot of naysayers to the effect that he would never get the car to the states and he should just sell it. However, Jeff had no doubt they would be reunited. Then last year the car finally became eligible to be imported. Jeff enlisted Jamie Orr of Orchid Euro to transport the car here to the states. They had the car transported back to the Volkswagen factory in Germany and then Volkswagen brought it stateside in their own ship. Upon arrival, Jeff’s car won its class in the first show ever entered here locally. Jeff has a true passion for his GTI and has every service record and the original invoice including the bill of sale. Jeff even has a Heritage letter from Volkswagen certifying its pedigree. Jeff comments that everyone is surprised by his dedication to his GTI by importing his car to the US. Jeff vows to never sell the car despite the numerous offers. It amazes many people that Jeff is able to drive the GTI as it was meant to be driven and that the GTI seems to have not lost a step along the years. Jeff admits the car is near perfect mechanically and cosmetically, however, needs to tackle a few minor corrosion issues. Although it has been a challenge to keep the car, Jeff loves his GTI and it shows. We enjoyed learning about Jeff and his GTI. No doubt Jeff developed the AutoUrge early and is a true enthusiast. Photos by Jeff Snape, unless noted otherwise. Jeff sent us numerous photos of his car’s journey. Visit AutoUrge.com to see even more. We love hearing these types of stories. Contact us today if you would like to be considered for a future Reader’s Ride!
Share your pride and joy with us and possibly see your ride within the pages of AutoUrge Magazine in our Reader’s Rides section. Send us your info at submit@AutoUrge.com and/or visit AutoUrge.com. ■
