Well I finally have a starting point I'm happy with. The Mk2 CL I bought just required too much work. Its straight as a die though and would be a good starting point for someone more mechanically adept than I.
I ended up buying DubDan's '87 South African 8v Small Bumper GTI. Inspected it on Sunday on the way back from down south which got me into a little trouble with the good lady, but hey. Paint is a little sad and there is a few pin dents but its a nice honest sort of car. Its had a fair bit of work recently, and touch wood it should be pretty reliable.
Dan is being so nice as to drop it off to me tonight and then the modding will commence. I've been collecting parts for quite some time now, and I have...

JOM Coilovers
JOM Badgeless 2 light grille
Smoked Crosshair Headlights
Hella Smoked Rear Clusters
German Bra
Mk3 Style Handles
Brand New 16x7 ET25 SSR Mesh
Electric Japanese Fire & Ice Recaros - Not the naff Euro fabric

Basically I'm just going to slam it to within an inch of its life and roll around in it. I'm not wanting it to be quick, just very stylish.
Jash