Highlights
- Very rare ‘Christmas Cabriolet’ special edition
- Highly original car with retrimmed interior
- Low mileage of less than 38,000 miles
- MOT to June 2025 with no advisories
- Very good condition with lots of original features
- Classic GTI performance with 4 seat convertible style
The Appeal
It’s perhaps not an obvious idea, but it was a successful one. In chilly December 1985 Volkswagen decided to push its decidedly summery Golf cabriolet by announcing a special edition. They called it, naturally, the Christmas Cabriolet.
Just 750 were available worldwide and 300 were allocated to the UK, all GTI models. 45 are believed to remain. Each car was, of course, finished in white including mirrors, bumpers and Avus alloy wheels, while inside there was a black and white leather and fabric cabin. A blue hood and some discreet ‘CC’ badging completed the ensemble.
This car is not just one of the best CCs remaining but likely amongst the best of the remaining Mk1 Cabrios. It has covered less than 38,000 miles in its 40 years and presents in highly original, beautifully preserved condition. The thick history file shows regular servicing - including a cambelt change in 2023 - and some light improvements such as a cabin retrim.
The Mk1 GTI cabriolet blends classic hot hatch dynamics with sun-worshipping, four-seat drop-top versatility. With the weather improving and its advisory-free MOT, this one is ready to enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 13th January 1986
- Retains its original ‘CC’ features as detailed above
- 10 registered keepers
- Documented mileage confirmed by MOT and service history
- Old MOTs and tax discs
- 2 sets of keys with alarm fobs
- Good history file with lots of invoices dating back to car’s early days
- Invoice for retrim work as shown
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Cambelt replaced in June 2023
- Original sales brochures as shown
- MOT to 27th June 2025 with no advisories
- 37,689 miles showing on MOT test with 37,771 miles showing in photos
- If car factory built prior to 1st January 1986 it will be eligible for Historic Vehicle status from 1st April 2026
The Condition
- Very smart and unmodified car that retains its special edition features
- White paintwork presents very well with only very minor aging to note in photos
- Bodywork in very good order across arches and sills as shown
- There is some light aging to note below front screen which buyer may wish to catch before it progresses
- Underside in very good condition with no structural advisories on current or recent MOTs
- Blue folding roof in very good condition with good fit and clever rear glass screen
- Bodywork fittings including colour-coded bumpers and arches all present very well
- Avus seven-spoke factory alloys in good condition with only light marks
- Tyres appear to be well kept with good sidewall condition and plenty of tread
- Neat features retained such as Golf-branded mud flaps and badging
- Very well kept two-tone leather and fabric interior recently retrimmed
- Seats present very well and appear barely used following renovation work
- Very original interior with Volkswagen-branded radio cassette included
- Switchgear, door cards, carpets and dashboard all present well with no reported damage
- Roof headlining is original with ‘CC’ decals and presentable but with small tear as shown
- Car is fitted with a classic 80s ‘Revenge II’ car sound maker as shown
- Space saver spare wheel as shown
- No reported faults with electrics, lights, switchgear or dials
- No dashboard warning lights visible in photos or reported by seller
The Mechanics
- 1,781cc 4cyl Volkswagen GTI fuel injected 118bhp engine
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Well maintained car with regular servicing irrespective of mileage
- Cambelt changed in June 2023 with few miles since
- Good history file as shown in photos
- No reported running or driving issues
- No advisories on current MOT
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