1989 VW Golf Cabriolet Clipper – Classified of the Week
February 22, 2022
Our illustrious editor Chris Pollitt wrote an interesting article recently regarding convertible classics from the ’80s and ’90s. It’s definitely worth a read if you haven’t already and it must have been floating around in the back of our mind when browsing the Car & Classic classifieds today because this particularly lovely convertible MkI Golf Clipper caught our eye. The original VW Golf was, and still is, a truly great car, not to mention a classic icon and the drop-top version seemed like a perfect addition to the line-up.
Rather than being developed in-house by Volkswagen the job of designing and producing the cabriolet was left to Karmann and the convertible Mk I was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1979. The car was initially offered in GLi form, with a 1.6-litre engine, closely followed by the GLS that had a slightly smaller 1.5-litre lump. Various trim levels were added to the range over the years and a GTi version was released in 1984 featuring a 1.8-litre engine but the body remained generally unchanged throughout the car’s life. It was the same deal as the tin top versions under the bonnet too and although they weighed a little more due to additional body strengthening they were still fun and engaging to drive.
Although the MkI golf was superseded by the MkII in ’84 the cabriolet lived on and in 1988 the ‘Clipper’ model appeared. Sporting moulded, body-coloured bumpers and a 1.8-litre engine it was an attempt to modernise the now ageing convertible and the Clipper took its place just below the GTi in the cabriolet hierarchy.
And that’s exactly what we have here – a 1989 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Clipper. Being a Clipper it comes with body-coloured bumpers, flared wheel-arches and side skirts, along with numerous other optional extras including BBS alloy wheels. The 1.8-litre engine is good for 90bhp which is plenty to keep things interesting and being as it’s the same motor as the hard top models parts are easy to come by and servicing and maintenance are a doddle. With a five-speed manual gearbox completing the package it’s a tried and tested, reliable combo.
The car underwent a full restoration six years ago and as such is in beautiful condition throughout, having covered a mere 1.300 miles since the refresh. With the exception of a couple of potentially divisive interior accoutrements and a modern stereo sand speaker system the car is completely original and judging by the photos the work was carried out to a high standard. Having benefited from a bare metal respray in its original light blue paint the exterior of this Clipper looks amazing and is finished off nicely with a new hood and liner.
Other replacement parts include a new fuel tank and filler pipe, fresh drive shaft and steering gaiters and a new windscreen, along with a replacement thermostat and rear shock absorbers. Not only that but both front and rear brakes have been replaced in the last few years (corroborated by the car’s online MOT history) and a stainless steel exhaust has also been fitted. The seller states that the car has recently been fully serviced and the engine is a sweet, leak-free example.
At face value then this particular Clipper appears to be a bit of a peach. Many a MkI Golf has seen abuse or fallen on hard times but as observed in the aforementioned article, time and tide have been more forgiving where the topless models are concerned. The classic buying public is catching up, however and we’re not surprised to see the £12K price tag here, especially for such a tidy, restored example. The VW MkI Golf Cabriolet Clipper is a solid, fun, engaging classic that you’ll be hard pressed to keep just for those warm and sunny days. A lot of convertibles are most definitely fair weather classics whereas the Golf Clipper can, and should, be enjoyed year round.
