Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 21st of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. Whilst many motorists today appreciate the exhilaration of roof-down 'wind-in-your-hair' motoring, few are willing to forego the comfort of a saloon car in order to enjoy it, however, the Golf GTi Convertible, introduced in 1980, made any such sacrifice unnecessary being designed and built by one of the world's most experienced builders of open-touring cars - Karmann of Osnabrück. With the hood up these little cars were remarkably draught free, lower the hood and you were ready to take advantage of every moment of sunshine which a British summer could muster.
The Rivage was one of three special editions produced to mark the end of the Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet production and was available in Classic Green Pearl or Classic Blue Metallic. Mechanically they were identical to the standard car with a naturally aspirated 1. 8-litre fuel-injected inline-four delivering approximately 110-112bhp to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. It was a rare UK-only model with just 470 examples built and consequently they have become collectible.
Bespoke Rivage features included Le Castellet forged alloy wheels, electric cloth hood, tinted glass, Rivage rear quarter decals, colour-coded door mirrors, sports seats, door handles, gear gaiter and handbrake in Beige leather, heated front seats, 4-spoke black leather sports steering wheel and gear knob, electric windows, rev counter, digital clock, multi-function computer and a Blaupunkt Melbourne radio cassette.
Finished in Classic Green Pearl with a Beige leather interior and hood cover with a black cloth hood, and having covered a warranted 4, 560 miles from new, this superb Rivage must be one best examples currently available. It was purchased new from Fairways by its first owner in late July 1991 and he retained it until 2021 when it was acquired by our vendor at approximately 4, 500 miles. The car retains it's original stamped service booklet and book pack. The car's history file indicates that it was serviced by Fairways on 5th August 1992 at 1, 480 miles and again on 11th August 2000 at 3, 785 miles, MOT'd on 28th August 2004 at 3, 924 miles, and last road taxed in 2005. Dry stored from new in a heated garage.
Prior to starting the car, our vendor took the wise precaution of recommissioning it (29th September 2021 at approx. 4, 450 miles) including brakes stripped and cleaned, all fluids replenished including brake fluid, battery renewed, cylinder head removed to check engine condition (like new) and refitted with all new gaskets and seals, renewed complete timing belt and aux belt, renewed coolant, renewed spark plugs, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, engine oil, fuel pump, wiper blades and exhaust tail section. Since then it has only been used very occasionally but according to our vendor 'starts and drives as it should from factory'. Our vendor has confirmed that the car will have a fresh MOT prior to the sale.
The Rivage was a rare model when introduced in 1991 and we imagine very few other examples of this luxury convertible survive today, particularly with one registered keeper, at this mileage and in this condition. The distinctive registration number, J1 OJO, will remain with the car and we invite and encourage your inspection at our Race Retro sale.
