Beschreibung
This is amazing value. A genuine CC Convertible, one of believed just 40 remaining worldwide, benefitting from over 20 years of service history and all for under £5000! What`s not to like. Probably one of the most collectible of all Mk. 1 GTi`s, this superb little car presents extremely well in it`s original Arctic White livery with Blue CC decals and original Blue carpets and genuinely drives as good as it looks. With fully restored examples now making over £15, 000, this represents an almost unique opportunity to acquire a very rare and desirable limited edition of this much sought-after cult classic.
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. The sporty GTi version debuted a year later at the Frankfurt Motor Show with production not expected to exceed 5, 000 units. How wrong they were! By 1983 over 462, 000 cars had been built with the GTi winning accolades worldwide. It is now widely acknowledged as the archetypal hot hatch and an icon of it`s era. Initially fitted with a 1588cc engine developing 108BHP mated to a close-ratio 4-speed gearbox, the bore was increased in 1982 to 1791cc, by which stage a 5-speed `box was standard. Built entirely by the Karmann factory, the convertible Mk. 1 appeared in 1980 and was available with different engines, the GTi version being badged as a GLi up until 1984 when it officially became the Mk. 1 GTi Convertible. The body of the convertible didn`t change through it`s entire production run but from 1988 onwards it was fitted with a Clipper body-kit with larger front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Many felt that this detracted from the purity of the original design and as such the mid-1980`s Mk. 1 GTi Convertibles are deemed the most collectable. A small run of limited edition models emerged from this heady period including the CC or Christmas Collection to give it it`s full name, hitting the showrooms for Christmas 1985. Around 750 were built in total with a documented 693 entering the UK market albeit many didn`t actually sell until the following summer. With Arctic White paintwork, Navy Blue hood, trim and carpets (with hood and trim embossed with the CC logo), CC decals to the sides and white-painted Snowflake alloys, they were undeniably one of the prettiest editions to be built and were very much geared towards the “wives and girlfriends” market.
Our car was registered in June 1986 and supplied new to a lady in North Oxford. By the mid-1990`s, we know that it was residing in Exeter where it benefitted from the servicing by VW Mann Egerton who in October 1996 were engaged to replace the entire hood cover including headlining and padding. Service history then picks up again in 2003 with a full replacement engine, clutch kit and water-pump (at 126, 000 miles) and continues with regular entries right up to 2020. Notable highlights include a brake overhaul (2013), replacement water-pump (2014), front lower suspension mounts, front and rear brakes, oil cooler and radiator fan (2017), shock absorbers, wheel bearings and head gasket replacement with full strip, skim and replace (2018) and brake hose replacement, new exhaust system and CV boots (2019). The Golf has evidently been used and enjoyed regularly with annual MoT inspections. Current mileage is 165, 050.
The Golf today presents just as seen in the photographs. The from-the-factory Arctic White paintwork has lasted extremely well and is largely, if not wholly, original. As such, there are a few age-related blemishes but the overall presentation is still excellent, polishing up well. The Black hood, whilst not the original Blue CC item, is genuine VW as fitted back in 1996 and is still in superb condition and a great fit. Now painted silver, the original Snowflake alloys have been refurbished recently and look smart against the White bodywork and grey arch extensions. The cabin has been upgraded at point with very tidy Grey cloth seats and matching door-cards whilst the original CC Navy carpet has been retained. Perhaps not truly authentic, the interior is still very much in period and could, of course, be returned to CC specification subject to sourcing the correct trim. But as is, the cabin is correct in all other ways and offers comfortable seating for four. Turn the key and like all Mk. 1 GTi`s, this is where the magic begins. The 1791cc 4-pot fires immediately into life settling down quickly off-choke to a gentle tickover. But engage first gear and you realise in an instant just why everyone still raves about the abilities of these now 40-year-old hot hatches. Even in convertible form, nothing comes close. That almost unobtainable combination of performance, handling and road-holding bound together in a single package. On a sunny Saturday, I piloted the Golf along the coast road out of Weymouth towards Bridport, enjoying every gear change and pulling up Abbotsbury Hill in third with ease. Still fast, even by modern standards, this is a car that will soon be both MoT and tax exempt. A true classic, yet one that could easily be used on a daily basis, with great parts back-up and very strong Club support. I am a big fan.
The Golf comes with a history file of receipts from 1996 to 2020, old MoT Certificates from 1997 to the present day, the original VAG Service wallet with Instruction Manual and a current V5C. The car will benefit from a fresh 12-month MoT Certificate at point of sale.
A largely original and highly sought-after limited edition of a modern icon. Superb value too.
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.
