While many German performance cars end up in junkyards due to neglected maintenance, this 2001 GTI VR6 met a different fate. Found in a Denver self-service yard, this GTI GLX suffered a minor crash, triggering the airbags and likely damaging the unibody. This seemingly minor damage rendered the car an instant total loss, destined for the scrapyard.
The 2001 GTI offered two engine choices: a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (GLS) and a 2.8-liter naturally-aspirated VR6 (GLX). This particular GTI boasts the more powerful VR6 engine, producing 174 horsepower. The original owner clearly opted for displacement over forced induction.
Unlike a previously featured junkyard Mk4 GTI with an automatic transmission, this 2001 GTI VR6 came equipped with a desirable three-pedal manual transmission, a hallmark of the true GTI driving experience.
This GTI showcases a common junkyard find: a “New Car Scent” air freshener. While not as ubiquitous as the “Black Ice” scent, it’s a frequent discovery in cars nearing their end.
Mk3 and Mk4 GTIs are common junkyard sights. However, finding one with a manual transmission is less frequent, as automatic transmissions were increasingly prevalent. This particular GTI VR6 had been in the yard for several weeks, surprisingly without scavenged parts. Typically, performance cars in running condition before a crash are quickly stripped of valuable components. This suggests a potential saturation of GTI enthusiasts in the area, already possessing ample spare parts.
