We seem to be a dying breed, lol. I have a '96 mk1.2, and am determined to make it the best mk1 that ever existed anywhere. The mk1 was a beautiful car, complimented by timeless continental lines and unsurpassed modability.
Of all the places I ask for advice, I'm sorry to say this forum is mixed. I get some quality advice from time to time, but too often I hear people saying that any upgrade 'is a waste of time / money'.
I bought my mk1 last year for £900 (great body, 64,000 miles) and have spent about the same again in mods. It looks and drives great, with alloys, lowered body, stripped interior, bucket seats and careful mods. Insurance is £19 / month with only 1 yr no claims. MOT last week was £128 inc £50 test fee, retest, new rear drums and bearings and new fog switch.
Subtlety is the key with mk1s. Papa and Nicole would not approve of anything gareish. Respect the subtle cuteness that sets it apart. I've left almost all the exterior alone but fited chrome and leather upgrades inside for around £150.
The 60bhp is disappointing, but I can't wait to fit a 172 engine before my insurance renewal. >200bhp with a superlight body will finalise my cherub as an individually chic, sporty, hugely enjoyable sleeper that will stand apart from the masses for 25% cost of a new car.
If only I could get more help here. It can take days of bumps to get a conclusive answer I'm afraid. And I don't think its because people don't know the answer - they just don't think its worth it for a 12 year old car. I asked a question about putting HID lights in a mk1 this week and got this response from a long-term '90% helpful' member called Alan:
"Snore... Its NOT that big a deal mate really.."
You will find a lot of losers on this forum, but eventually its worth traipsing though 8 s**t posts to find 1 good answer.
