The Mk1 Golf Cabriolet is an intriguing model, as it demonstrates rather more tenacity and staying power than any other generation of Golf. Debuting in 1974, the Mk1 hatchback knocked the socks off onlookers around the world, the Beetle replacement having the audacity to be front-engined and water-cooled – and continued winning hearts until it was replaced by the Mk2 in 1983. But the Cabriolet version wasn’t prepared to retire just yet. Having first appeared in 1979, the Karmann-built Mk1 soft-top remained in production right up until 1993, way into the Mk3 Golf era.

Why would VW continue selling a car from the 1970s alongside both its ’80s and ’90s replacements? Well, it sold really well, and to certain accountants the numbers will always supersede anything as finicky as logic or chronology.

The example we have here is more desirable than most, and not just for the fact that it’s one of the true-blue originals sold in the Mk1 era. No, this 1982 Cabriolet has a unique hook: the condition throughout is, quite frankly, astonishing. There are just 23k miles on the clock, and it shows – the condition inside and out truly sets this Golf apart in a class of its own. It’s lived a pampered life, always kept active but in a gentle fashion; now that its owner is thinning out his impressive collection, this outstanding drop-top could be yours.

This Golf has just 23k miles on the clock, and this is really evident in the condition of the interior. Indeed, we really can’t remember when we last saw a Mk1 cabin this clean and fresh – the only blemish of note is a tiny area on the driver’s seat where the stitching has separated along a seam, which would be a very easy fix. Aside from this, the seats are in extremely good condition front and rear with lovely trim and good support.

The carpets are good throughout. The dash is solid and complete, with no cracks in the top or evidence of sun damage; this, combined with the lack of any notable discolouration of the trim or plastics, suggests to us that this is a car that must have spent much of its time inside.

The gauges are all working correctly, and the car is fitted with a quality period-correct Clarion radio-cassette. The iconic golf ball gear knob is present, and it’s all dry and tidy inside the boot. All of the control elements are working well with no evidence of broken clips or hinges or misalignment, including the glove box lid, window winders and seat tilting – everything is operating just as it should, and the condition of the interior needs to be seen to be believed.

Much like the interior, the exterior of this Golf is in remarkably good order that’s true testament to its low mileage and a life of pampering. The owner was keen to point out the sole notable blemish, a tiny fingernail-sized ding on the leading edge of the nearside front wing, although you do have to be looking hard to spot it.

This really is the type of Golf you don’t see very often – that delectable red paint hasn’t faded in the sun and pops with all the vibrancy it would have in the 1980s, and the panels all sit true with even gaps. The bumpers are good with no parking scuffs, and all of the correct trim and badging is in place. The soft-top is in excellent condition, with a period dealer sticker in the rear window; the roof lowers, raises and latches just as it should, and there’s a tonneau cover in the boot.

All of the light lenses and window glass are complete and in good condition. The wheels are the original-spec GLI alloys, fitted with quality Pirelli P3000 tyres. There’s a very minor area of scuffing to the rim of one wheel, but aside from that they’re lovely and tidy. On the whole, a truly beautifully presented Mk1 with the potential to scoop many a trophy on the showground.

Prior to 1984, the highest-spec Golf Cabriolet you could buy was the GLI, and this really was a GTI in all but name. The DX engine was the GTI-spec beating heart of the GLI, the 1.8-litre unit providing a vibrant 100bhp. And when was the last time you saw an engine bay this clean? The engine itself looks minty-fresh, the strut tops are solid, the bulkhead’s good, it really is impressively tidy under there. And it runs beautifully too, firing on the first turn of the key, idling correctly, and pulling keenly through the rev range. The gearshift is slick, the brakes are appropriately strong, and the suspension is spot-on thanks to its fresh Sachs dampers. A delightful Golf to drive.

This is going to make a very pleasing buy for somebody. The demand for early water-cooled Volkswagens has been skyrocketing in recent years, and examples in this sort of condition are very few and far between. An all-original GLI with low mileage, in glorious condition inside and out and driving like a dream. 

It’s without a hint of hyperbole that we say that this is both collector-grade and show-worthy – you could press it into daily service and enjoy a time capsule of 1980s splendour, or alternatively you could enter it into show-and-shines and let the trophies roll in. Make sure you don’t miss out – Golfs as good as this really don’t appear on the market very often.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.