The tale of a remarkable car often transcends its mechanical prowess; it embodies the spirit of racing and the nostalgia of family heritage. The Volkswagen Golf cherished by the Giltrap family is one such vehicle, steeped in history and personal significance.
In 1979, Sir Colin Giltrap brokered a pivotal deal with Volkswagen Germany that would change the trajectory of his motorsport direction in New Zealand. He brought in two distinctive Volkswagen Golfs to compete in the prestigious Benson and Hedges 500, a premier racing event of the time. Driving one of the cars was none other than his mates, the legendary Denny Hulme, a Formula One World Champion, alongside the iconic Stirling Moss in the other. Meanwhile, Kiwi heroes Jerry Clayton and Rod Coppins took the wheel of second Golf.
The cars, one a striking red and the other a polished silver were initially prepared under Group N regulations. However, Sir Colin decided to modify the red car slightly to test different setups, laying the groundwork for future racing endeavours. This included equipping the red Golf with a five-speed limited-slip differential gearbox, while the silver car remained with a four-speed setup. Unfortunately, this innovative approach would ultimately lead to heartbreak for the red car in its inaugural race. In a dramatic turn of events, a flat tire in the last ten minutes of the race forced it to relinquish its lead, finishing a close second to the Clayton/Coppins pair.
Fast forward to today, and Nathan Pilcher, the Porsche New Zealand Motorsport Coordinator, shares his serendipitous discovery of the red Golf at the NZ launch of the new facelifted Golf (8.5).
He told us that the red Golf (and the silver one too) were hidden away at the Highlands Park museum. The car was owned by the Baird family, who acquired both Golfs in the mid-1980s, successfully campaigning them in various South Island events, including production races and targas.
After a painstaking 20-month restoration, where no bolt was left unturned, the red Golf has been brought back to its former glory, restored to be period-correct for 1979/80. “This car is the original car,” Nathan emphasises, excited about its aesthetic integrity and historical significance.
One particularly charming detail about the restoration involves the placement of sponsor stickers. When Shell joined as a last-minute sponsor just before the Benson and Hedges 500, their stickers were hastily applied right on the grid.
“Sir Colin apparently said ‘slap them on and off we’ll go’. So if you look at all the photos in 1979, the Shell stickers are on an angle, so we put it back then on an angle, because that’s the way it was,” Nathan told us.
Eager to capture the authenticity of that memorable moment, Nathan and his team opted to place the Shell stickers at an angle, mimicking the slightly askew appearance they had back in the day. This dedication to detail serves to honour the genuine racing spirit of the past.
The emotional impact of the red Golf is deeply felt within the Giltrap family. Nathan reflected on the family’s urgent desire for Sir Colin to see this iconic piece of history one last time before his passing, alas that wasn’t to be. “It remains a very, very special car,” Nathan states.
Plans are afoot for Colin’s grandson, Marco Giltrap, an emerging talent in the racing world, to take the wheel of this unforgettable vehicle, continuing the Giltrap legacy. Nathan also envisions Richard Giltrap getting behind the wheel, further entwining family heritage with the Golf.
“As it stands today, the car is fully track-ready, with only essential safety modifications made, including modern seat belts, seats, and brakes, ensuring the safety of those who drive it. Boasting around 130 horsepower and weighing in at just 820 kg, this iconic Golf is ready to showcase its capabilities on the track,” said Nathan. “As the car sits there, we could roll it down to Hampton’s today and go do some laps in it,” highlighting the car’s readiness to rejoin the world of competitive racing.
This red Mk1 Volkswagen Golf is more than just a car; it is a symbol of heritage, a testament to innovation, and a cherished piece of history for the Giltrap family. With its storied past and promising future, it stands ready to continue its legacy.
The Golf currently boasts around 130 horsepower,’ so Golf has come a long way since the Mk 1’, but it’s a very small car that weighs about 820 kgs. “And we’re looking forward to getting it on the track to see what it’s capable of doing,” Nathan ends
