1986 Volkswagen Golf Mk1 GTI Cabriolet

Highlights

Very well kept GTI cabriolet
Popular BBS and Rivage upgrades
Recent service and belt change
MOT to May 2025 with no advisories
Stylish and practical drop top ‘hot hatch’

The Appeal

Karmann’s development of the original Mk1 Golf was so good that it survived in production for 10 years after the hatchbacks disappeared. Looking at this stylish Alpineweiss GTI you can see why: crisp, Giugiaro-penned lines, practical four seater layout and, of course, that revvy 1.8litre 110bhp GTi motor.

To that compelling mix this car adds a couple of key features that are popular with enthusiasts: a set of BBS split rim alloys and a Rivage Sportline body kit. Other neat updates like the grille eyebrow and smoked indicators will surely appeal to aficionados.

Beyond the tasteful aesthetics, this is a very well maintained, low mileage GTI in great order. It has recently been recommissioned by the seller following 12 years of careful dry storage by its fastidious keeper, who owns a garage. This work included a check over and full service. The cambelt was changed recently. A long MOT to March 2025 - with no advisories - adds further reassurance.

The Mk1 Cabriolet is the GTI with added open-top versatility, a classic 80s four seater ‘hot hatch’ that adds summer warmth to every drive. This one has clearly been very well looked after and looks ready to enjoy.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st January 1986
11 registered keepers
Current keeper since April 2014
This keeper is a garage owner who has used the car sparingly alongside dry storage
Speedometer changed in August 2005 which can be noted on MOT records
New unit had 20,593 miles when fitted
This gives a total of 104,646 miles
MOTs back to 1990s to verify and confirm this mileage
Rivage body kit fitted around 10 years ago
Original seats and bumpers available and can be negotiated separately if required
There is no service book but the seller has anecdotal evidence that it has been enjoyed and cared for
Recent recommissioning including health check and full service
Cambelt replaced around two years ago
MOT to 3rd May 2025 with no advisories and 27,892 miles showing on test

The Condition

Stand-out Alpineweiss white paintwork with matching Rivage body kit
Very good paintwork across the car with few signs of age or deterioration
Body kit fitted 10 years ago and in good order with good fit across skirts and bumpers
Bodywork in very good order with straight, tidy panels that present well
Factory bumpers and interior can be supplied with car by separate negotiation
Black fabric hood engineered by Karmann in very good condition with rear glass screen
Roof works correctly with smooth mechanism
BBS split rim 15in alloy wheels in good condition with tyres in similar order
Supplied with matching black hood tonneau
Appealing modifications such as grille eyebrown and smoked indicators
Upgraded interior with grey fabric patterned trim in very good order
Seats show good shape and little wear, particularly to common areas such as bolsters
Original dealer stickers in rear window
Interior fittings including switchgear and dials very well kept with few signs of wear
Later Pioneer stereo fitted but otherwise largely factory standard interior
Well kept car with no structural advisories on current MOT

The Mechanics

1,781cc GTI-specification 110bhp engine
5spd manual gearbox
Long term garage-owning keeper
Stainless steel exhaust
Will be fitted with new radiator before sale
Recent recommissioning including full service and health check
Cambelt replaced two years ago
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
Said to run and drive very well by its well regarded seller
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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