Hot Hatch Hero: 63k-Mile 2003 Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary 6-Speed

Largely establishing the hot hatch segment, the VW GTI hit the scenes in 1983, creating enthusiasts out of commoners and giving enthusiasts something more to be enthusiastic about. Interestingly, the first GTIs were built in Pennsylvania but retained the highly desirable German feel – and it could move better than cars with twice the cylinders and a whole lot more ego. Now over 40-years old, the GTI has established itself firmly as the go-to hot hatch, even with an ocean of other fine contenders from Asia, Europe, and the USA.

This one seems to be a sweet little number, finished in bright yellow with black cloth interior and rolling on seemingly massive wheels with rubber band thin tires. Showing only 63k miles on the digital odometer, the car looks to be in fabulous condition with no obvious blemishes or damage to the paint, body, or interior – it all shows in remarkably well-kept condition. The bright yellow paint is hard to miss and fun, it breaks from the seemingly traditional stoic color choices normally bestowed upon German cars, even go-karts like the GTI, which is refreshing. Said to be bone stock, we have little reason to disagree, but would love to see more pictures of the engine and underside. But even the factory head unit is still nestled in place, which also advertises the 20th Anniversary nature of this example and shows its specialized number. Fitted with the high-revving, zippy 1.8L turbo four-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, it’s obvious it was built for having fun – the peppy mill loves to rev and pulls the GTI from 0-60 mph in under 8-seconds. While that sounds mundane, it’s got ’Bahn-storming legs that top-out over 140 mph, yet it’s still an efficient, corner taming hatch that’s an absolute hoot to drive.