Tonight we got the Golden Golf working!
After a thorough air system cleaning, a new battery, a new air filter, new spark plug wires, a new rotor for the distributor, and a careful timing adjustment, it started up.
I raced all over the neighborhood at midnight, and it turned and accelerated quite well. The engine runs even better than just after the timing adjustment: I believe it burned off the crud that had built up when we started it with poor timing.
There are still some issues:
It squeaks when turned quickly.
The brakes are down to the mechanical only, it needs brake fluid.
It ought to have its new fuel filter installed.
It needs a license plate.
Nonetheless, it does run, and so I will take it to all around the 'hood, and maybe to church tomorrow.
Hurrah for Volkswagon Golfs!