The Matchbox Mk2 Golf GTI Finally Gets a Clean Deco

I’m a huge VW fan, and the Mk5 Golf GTI is one of my all-time favorite Matchbox models, so you’d think I would love the Mk2 GTI.  However, this model has been plagued by odd decos since its debut release, starting with an orange design featuring the rabbit logo and followed by a Polizei livery that still didn’t satisfy my desire for a stock look.  Then we finally saw a release that piqued my interest – a clean red look with GTI graphics on the bottom of the doors.  Unfortunately, this model was made for the Best of Germany series and never made it to the US.  So, after four releases, we finally have a deco that does this casting justice.  And what a release it is! 

This fourth release features a clean silver paint job with detailing on the grill, including VW and GTI logos and a red stripe around the grill.  This grill design really shows off Matchbox’s tampo prowess, with both logos perfectly centered on their raised sections – very impressive for a $1 model.  

Down the sides of the model we see a black rub rail running across the doors and the black cladding over the wheel arches and the bottom of the doors.  They’ve also given us some detailing on the door handles which really helps them pop.  Sadly, there’s still no detailing on the back of this model, so hopefully we see a premium outing someday.  

Looking at this model, I can’t help but compare it to Matchbox’s own Mk5 Golf GTI casting.  Seeing these two models next to each other highlights the shared heritage of the two cars.  I really appreciate the GTI’s signature red stripe on both cars, and that both got full grill detailing.  

The Mk5 certainly looks a lot better from the back since it received full detailing, making the Mk2 look comparatively plain.  I appreciate the exhaust tips on the Mk5 as well. 

Both these models are amazingly similar in size and silhouette, though the hood line is noticeably higher on the Mk5, as it should be.  The red wheels on the Mk5 really detract from the overall look though.  I would have preferred the split 10-spokes that we’ve seen on many other releases of the Mk5 GTI.  My favorite feature of the Mk5 casting is the base that forms the black cladding accent on the rocker panel.  

At the end of the day, the Mk2 Matchbox Golf GTI is exactly what a Matchbox model should be: a straight-from-the-factory look on a slightly obscure car with a cult following.  I love it, and I want more models like this one!