Take one of the original and all time great hot hatches, the MK1 Golf GTi, and chop the roof off, it's certainly a bold idea, one that perhaps on paper shouldn’t even work, but yet it does. It was the task given to legendary coachbuilder Karmann by VW engineers in the 1970s, and what spawned was one of the most adored Volkwswagens of the era, and one that remains highly sought after today. Despite moving on to MK2 standard GTi design the convertible variant remained in its MK1 guise into the early 1990s, at which point a selection of special edition runoff models were brought to market.
Limited to around 470 units, the Rivage edition Golf cabrio was one of the final and most highly equipped examples of the beloved VW. With a factory fitted power top, bespoke decals and Le Castellet alloy wheels, the Rivage stands today as one of the most desirable open top classic Golf variants and is a wonderful slice of classic collectible Volkswagen.
For the committed VW collector this 1992 Rivage may be one of the best examples on the roads today, standing in great, highly original form after years of careful enthusiast ownership and backed by what may be one of the most concise and sizable history files out there. esa84pVXOjbPmf4vq8m8VCllfHoB7Y9qfqVHMt10.jpg1.12 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered 25/03/1992
Supplied new by Merlin VW centre in Derbyshire
Genuine Rivage edition car as denoted by the accompanying registration documents
Backed by a vast, incredibly concise history file
Original service book present with regular stamps up until the most recent service in 2022 less than 1000 miles ago
Extensive collection of invoices for parts bought and servicing work done to maintain the car throughout its lifetime
Set of invoices for recent mechanical expenditure including rear brake overhaul and drive belt replacement
Current MOT valid with no advisories until August 2024
1.8 litre four cylinder engine, famed for its overall performance quality
In good honest mechanical order, with a brilliantly clean, original engine bay, having recently been detailed
Engine is mated to a quality five speed manual gearbox which provides crisp, smooth gear changes
The Golf fires into life quickly and in no time settles into a comfortable idle
On the road the car provides a joyous driving experience, feeling incredibly tight and solid with wholly respectable performance provided along with a great engine note
Rear brakes replaced in August of 2023
Drive belt replaced less than 1000 miles ago
Regularly serviced and well maintained throughout its life
It’s where the hot hatch revolution began. The MK1 Golf GTI is certainly one of the most significant cars in Volkswagen's rather impressive history, and for the avid collector, it perhaps gets no better than a run off special edition convertible. Limited to circa 470 units and with an understood 93 registered on UK roads according to online database “HowManyLeft” the Golf GTI Rivage is a top tier collectible Volkswagen.
This 1992 Rivage stands in highly original order, and looks to be one of the best preserved, most honest examples out there and will undoubtedly make a welcome addition to the driveway of anyone looking to get their hands on a truly rare, yet usable classic Volkswagen.
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