・Light custom Mk1 Golf Cabriolet

・Finished in BMW Twilight Purple

・Brand new hood

・Standard interior and body

A convertible version of the Golf was presented to Volkswagen's management by coachbuilder Wilhelm Karmann GmbH as early as 1976, as an evolution of the original Giuigiaro hatchback styling.

Unlike the production model, the Karmann concept didn’t have the central rollover hoop that was a prominent design feature of the versions sold to customers but otherwise the clean and sharp styling lent itself well to having the top chopped off.

The production version of the convertible Golf was designated Type 155 and was sold from 1980 to 1994. It had a reinforced body, a transverse roll-over bar, and a high level of trim. 

From stamping to final assembly the Mk1 Cabriolet was built entirely at the Karmann factory. Volkswagen supplied engines, suspension, and interior trim for Karmann to install. The tops, of vinyl or cloth, were heavily insulated, with a heated glass rear window. The top was raised and lowered manually until 1991, when it became electrically operated.

The body of the Cabriolet did not change through the entire production run except for a larger fuel tank. It kept the pre-1980 style of rear lamp clusters. A space saver spare wheel was fitted from the outset, including 1978 pre-production models, unlike the saloon which did not adopt this until 1984. All Cabriolets from 1988 on left the factory fitted with a "Clipper" body kit that featured smooth body-coloured bumpers, wheel-arch extensions, and side skirts in desperate bid to disguise the fact that it was based on such an old design, remaining in production longer than even the Golf Mk 2.

Not a huge amount is known about the Golf history other than that it was owned by a keeper in Bedfordshire for several years before being acquired by the vendor and treated to an overhaul and light custom rebuild.

It’s part of a large collection of VW Golfs owned by the vendor, which he is slimming down to make way for some new projects.

The Golf comes with a UK V5C and an MOT certificate valid until the end of May, which will be renewed before the car is delivered to its next owner.

Also included is a receipt for the supply and fitting of a new hood at a cost of over £600.

The Golf is finished in a really unusual shade of dark purple that looks black or dark blue in certain lights. It’s actually a BMW colour – Twilight Purple – and it really suits the Golf’s chunky lines.

The paint is excellent and the car presents really well, sitting on DTM Racing alloys.

To be picky, the front bumper is scuffed and slightly misaligned, but the vendor says he will try to sort this before the car goes to its new home. There are also some shallow dents in the bonnet, but nothing to detract from the overall appearance.

The black vinyl hood is excellent and is full glazed, while it is extremely easy to raise and lower. 

There are some subtle custom mods to note as well. The grille has been debadged, while it sports LED rear lights – small details that give the car a distinctive appearance.

The cabin features half-leather seats of much more modern design than the originals and they’re both a lot more comfortable and far more supportive than the factory VW items, coming from an Audi TT. The dash, carpets and inner roof lining are in good order, while all the dials, switches and gauges operate as they should. 

The door cards are a little scruffy where speakers have been fitted in the past, so the next owner may want to either source some replacements or even just some speakers to disguise the holes. 

Again, the light custom theme continues inside, with Sparco racing pedals, a brushed alloy gear knob and matching window winders.

Under the bonnet things are pretty much standard save for a large stainless steel strut brace, which was fitted by the vendor to get rid of some of the standard Mk1 Cabrio’s scuttle shake. Having driven the car briefly, it’s a recognisable improvement as the convertible Golf was always prone to body flex, despite extra strengthening in the sills and the big rollover hoop.

The 1.8-litre engine starts on the button and sounds healthy and has been freshly serviced.

This is something a bit different to use on the VW scene and the light custom approach is neatly executed and not over-the-top, meaning you can also use it as a day-to-day classic with no big wheels or rock-hard suspension to contend with.

It looks absolutely fabulous in Twilight Purple, while the new hood is also a major selling point. 

It’s just the ticket for the upcoming summer and the welcome return of car events across the UK.