Beschreibung
No - this isn`t a misprint! Just £1795 buys you a genuine, unmolested and largely original MK. 1 Golf Cabriolet that was on the road and used daily until 2 months ago when replaced with something more practical. Now in need of some TLC, this desirable convertible would make a perfect winter project. With non-running project Mk. 1`s often commanding well in excess of this figure, surely this is a superb opportunity to acquire a running example that could be back on the road with very little work.
Successor to the Beetle, the Golf was introduced by Volkswagen in 1974 and was a complete departure both in terms of boxy styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro`s Italdesign and layout with front-mounted, water-cooled engines powering the front wheels. With Karmann presenting a prototype convertible to VW management in 1976, it took a further 3 years for the Mk. 1 Cabriolet to go into production with every model from start to final assembly being built entirely at the Karmann factory. VW supplied the reinforced bodyshell, engines, suspension and interior trim with Karmann supplying their own heavily insulated hoods with heated glass rear window. Manually operated up until 1991, power assistance only came in the final 2 years of production, by which time all examples were factory-fitted with the Clipper body-kit featuring side skirts, wheel arch extensions and smooth, body-coloured bumpers. Many still prefer the purer lines of the pre-1988 cars and indeed, these mid-1980`s models tend to be the most sought-after.
Our car was registered on 14th February 1986 in Worcestershire and whilst we know little of it`s history are informed that it remained local for most of it`s life. In August 2014, it was purchased by a young lady in Hereford as her first car. Almost 10 years later and some 50, 000 miles covered, this young lady is now a mother and was persuaded in the Autumn of last year to acquire a more practical saloon. After some deliberation and sadness, a decision was made to find her car of “many memories” a new keeper capable of providing the TLC that it now deserves. We acquired the car with a view to undertaking such refreshment but time and too many other projects have encouraged us to sell as is. As a consequence, since acquiring, we have done very little apart from a quick clean and fit a new battery.
The car presents exactly as seen in the photographs. The very original Mars Red paintwork is showing some fading but the majority of panels are still very good. Whilst the bottom leading-edge corner of both doors and nearside rear quarter panel require some attention, the wings, bonnet and overall structure is actually very good. The underside too seems solid and largely original. The hood has evidently been replaced in recent years and is in excellent working condition although would benefit from a good scrub! The interior is once again very original with red and black cloth trim, matching door cards and black carpets. Both front seats display some signs of wear but are serviceable. The Golf starts instantly on the key and sounds mechanically sweet albeit there is a blow from the exhaust. Select Drive and the car moves off swiftly and drives without any dramas, the gears changing up and down through the automatic `box with working brakes that pull up in a straight line. I have taken the car out for a short run across the West Dorset downs and was surprised both how responsive it was and indeed how nice it was to drive.
The car is a perfect light project that could be back on the road with a fresh MoT relatively easily and quickly (the last MoT only expired in November 2023). Attention could then be given to the areas of minor body work and interior trim as time and money allowed. With prices for this model post-refreshment currently at £4500-5000 and increasing, this is a great opportunity to acquire a running example with plenty of potential.
The car comes with 2 sets of keys, a factory hood cover and current V5C/ 2. Currently requiring an MoT and road tax, the vehicle will be classed as Historic in 2 years’ time and as such will be fully exempt.
A great opportunity to acquire a sought-after modern classic at a very sensible price.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
