You can’t help but love a convertible. True, open-top aficionados know there are many reasons for having one in your Lifetime Garage of Ten, but most are sensory.
Exposed as you are to nature’s elements, there is a the heightened sense of motion, the rush of passing scenery, the fragrance of fresh open air as dappled shade flickers over your Ray-Bans. Bliss!
Couple that full-on sensory assault with an iconic Mk1 Volkswagen Golf cabriolet and you begin to fully appreciate the appeal.
Summer’s here so pop on a cheeky bid - you know you want to…
One of the more important updates for the VW Golf Cabriolet came in 1988 when Karmann – the manufacturers of Golf convertibles – introduced the Clipper body kit.
It comprised of smooth, deeper bumpers which flowed into extended wheel arch trims, which in turn met side skirts leading into similar rear bumpers. At the time and still today – it looks chunky and smart.
The front grille was redesigned to reflect the updated Mk2 Golf hatchback grille and now accommodated the twin spotlights synonymous with the GTI models.
In June 1991, the compact cabriolet took the accolade of being the world’s most popular convertible car, with Karmann confirming 388,522 cabriolets being produced between 1979 and 1991.
The Clipper sat below the GTI in the open-topped Golf line-up and at £11,989 presented an altogether more affordable alternative to the £14,450 GTI Cabriolet.
According to the data plate, the numbers ‘07-04-8022’ (07th week of 1991 / 04th day of the week / 022nd car built that day), advise that this very smart and tidy Golf Clipper was car number 22 off the line at Karmann’s Osnabrück facility on Thursday, 14th February 1991.
Some weeks later, it made its way over the ditch where it received its first UK registration on 27th June, 1991. In those days, RHD cars were ‘banked’ until their numbers could fill a UK-bound ship.
The current keeper acquired the car in March 2020 and has blessed it with considerable TLC, leading to its exceptional condition which it enjoys today.
Accompanying the car will be the V5 Certificate, an MoT certificate to mid-October, 2022, evidence of the recent full wheel and steering geometry adjustment, the original leather-clad folder containing the owner’s manual and service book.
If you don’t intend to use the Clipper as a daily, a new Ring RCB312 trickle-charger is included in the sale so the car is always ready for when you want to take a spin along your favourite backroads.
On the inside, the Clipper has benefited from its mid-range status which brought hard wearing grey check cloth seats instead of the easily-marked leather in some of the special editions.
It’s certainly lasted the years well and doesn’t look as if it’s covered almost a hundred thousand miles.
That same grey check cloth extends to the top of the door cards, both of which also present in exceptional condition. The dashboard is all original except for the addition of a modern audio system. The original audio head unit is retained in the cubby should the new keeper with to refit it for originality.
Slide into the driver’s seat and you’re transported back to the early 90’s.
Should George Michael and Elton John’s haunting live rendition of ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ become your earworm, our empathy would be complete!
• Exterior presents in remarkable condition for its 31 years
Even though the Mk1 convertible lasted well into the 1990s, these are elderly cars now and there are plenty of shabby ones around, but this most certainly isn’t one of them.
The bodywork and paint is in superb condition with no signs of bubbling anywhere that we could see and the original roof is in remarkable condition for its age.
It should be noted that the original electro-hydraulic power roof no longer works, but its manual operation is equally quick and easy.
The striking BBS alloy wheels currently fitted would have been a later fitment, since the Clipper was originally supplied with steelies and plastic trims, but they do give it a hint of the GTI style.
Those BBS wheels are in exceptional condition and shod with a set of new 15-inch Avon ZV7 rubber all round.
At the front, the headlight lenses are clear, but the front and rear plastic indicator/reflector lenses exhibit sun bleaching often associated with a car of this age. Their inexpensive replacement would elevate the car to an even higher standard.
The brightwork and decals around the car are in good condition and a cursory glance down each flank shows no evidence of collision damage.
Although it shared its 1781cc motor with the GTI models, the Clipper used a simpler carburettor setup to attain its 90bhp, compared to the GTI’s 105bhp.
However, that was no handicap and the Clipper still felt brisk enough to be fun then and still does today.
During the photo shoot, the Clipper was frequently repositioned to obtain the best light. The sweet-sounding 1.8-litre four-pot started first and every time. The three-speed automatic gearbox connected smoothly and drive engaged with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The keeper reports the car to be in very good mechanical condition with the Clipper’s engine, steering, brakes, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective German engineers intended over 30 years ago.
The cabriolet models currently represent an affordable way into the Mk1 Golf but it won’t be long before the prices start to follow their tin-topped cousins.
The Karmann-built Golf Clipper remains an attractive option for those wishing to enter the ‘modern’ classic car lifestyle. They are relatively inexpensive to acquire, mechanical parts and body trims are readily available – and not for silly money, either.
This particular example is in fine fettle for its age of 31 years. Its mechanicals, interior and body work are in truly exceptional condition and would be worthy of anyone seeking a retro soft-top for those sunny jaunts out.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
