Highlights
- Comprehensive restoration in 2022
- Refreshingly original and unmodified
- Rare and practical Karmann-built drop top
- Comes with a lot of spare parts
- Runs and drives very well
The Appeal
As the enthusiasts know only too well, away from the GTI, the more humble Mk1 Golfs retain the agile, nimble handling of the hot hatch but at more accessible prices. These crisp, Giugiaro-styled cars include a Karmann-built convertible. It adds four-seater, open-top versatility and the sort of quality engineering you expect from Germany’s premier coachbuilder.
Original, unmolested Mk1 cabriolets are a rare find, which makes this one a particularly gem. It was extensively restored in 2022 - including a full respray in the correct colour - and comes to market refreshingly factory-standard.
A large selection of spare parts will allow the buyer to finish the minor fettling the buyer has begun. Continuing to show this pretty, rare car the love it deserves whilst enjoying its open top fun is a tempting prospect as Spring begins to spring.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 20th August 1981
- Five registered keepers from new
- We are told the car has had one keeper for most of its life
- Current keeper purchased in March 2021
- Stored in a dry location during the pandemic
- Receipts dating back to the early 2000s are available
- Restored in 2022 with details outlined below
- Standard car restored in original factory colour
- Supplied with various parts including front bumper, brake discs, trim items
- Car cover included
- Engine bay detailing cleaners and paints supplied with car
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt based on age
- Last MOT expired 13th December 2023 with no advisories and 98,430 miles showing
2022 restoration included:
- Fully body refurbishment
- Resprayed in original colour
- Front and rear lower panels replaced
- Front wings replaced
- Doors rewelded
- All exterior trim refurbished including badges
- Windscreen replaced
Other notable maintenance by seller since March 2021:
- Transmission bushes replaced in 2023 to improve gearchange
- Undersealed
- Engine bay detailing begun
- Four new tyres fitted 500 miles ago
- Larger battery fitted
The Condition
- Pleasingly factory-standard car makes it a rarity today
- Original alloy wheels fitted to car
- Very good good overall condition for its age reflecting 2022 restoration
- Interior is in good original condition, with rear seats appearing barely used
- Some wear inside with some small parts reported missing
- Steering wheel horn loose but working
- Full body restoration in 2022 with various panels refurbished or replaced
- All badges, bumpers, and plastic panels were resprayed during refurbishment
- Chrome is in good condition, except for the windscreen trim which has faded
- New windscreen fitted as part of the restoration
- Original roof shows signs of wear
- Vendor advises that the roof retaining wires could ideally be replaced
- The roof seals have been renewed
- We are told the rear window demister does not work
- Four new tyres fitted 500 miles ago
- Underside in good order with recent underseal
- Car’s condition positively admired recently by garage that restored it
- Fitted with optional auxiliary driving lights
- Fifth spare matching wheel rim, unrestored but in good condition is also incuded
The Mechanics
- 1,457cc four cylinder Volkswagen engine with carburettor
- 4spd manual gearbox with reported smooth change
- Runs well with no major issues, though it smokes a little at startup
- Larger battery fitted to maintain charge during periods of inactivity
- All transmission bushes replaced last year
- Various parts of the engine have been replaced and an immobiliser has been fitted
- Equipped with a stainless steel Jetex exhaust
- Engine bay detailing has begun and can be continued by buyer
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
