Highlights
- Excellent runner, mechanically sound and very clean engine bay
- One of a reported 470 Rivage models
- Great condition original interior and exterior
- Driven less than 4,500 miles in the past 16 years
The Appeal
The Mk1 Golf, a hugely popular success for Volkswagen, was initially conceived in 1974. In 1980, VW launched their cabriolet option, with soft-top produced with the help of German coachbuilders Karmann. In production until 1993 and overlapping the switch over of the hardtop Golfs from Mk1 to Mk2 and Mk3, this cabriolet is a bit special. The Rivage edition with its Classic Blue Metallic paint, Mauritius Blue cloth interior, and hydraulically operated Indigo Blue soft-top also featured the moulded bumpers, integrated front and rear spoilers and wheel arch extensions of the late-model Cabriolets.
This particular car, just one of a reported 470 Rivages delivered, and being one from the final production year of the Mk1 Cabriolet, is in absolutely incredible condition for its age. With a solid service history from the dealership up until 2008, it has seen less than 3,000 miles since it’s last documented dealership service, and private maintenance under the current ownership since. With the vehicle not seeing as much use as it could, the current owner is ready to pass it on to its next loving keeper to enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
- V5c present and current
- MOT valid until 19th April 2024 with no advisories
- Receipts present for most previous work performed up to 2008
- All original with exception of below:
- Clifford alarm system installed
- Central locking system installed
- Current owner states under their care it has been maintained and kept up privately, without invoice record
- Vehicle has been dry stored
The Interior
- Interior is in truly excellent overall condition, with very little wear and signs of use present
- Owner states electronics working as they should, with the exception of the below:
- The ‘Multi-function Indicator’ on the dashboard displays LCD digits but is not functioning correctly
- Stereo head unit present but not working
- Front seats in great condition, with only very slight fading on the seat bottoms
- Rear seats in like-new condition
- Carpets in overall great condition for the age
- Dashboard in great shape, with no cracking or fading seen
- Gauges and buttons in great visual condition, and owner states all functioning correctly
- Steering wheel in great condition with no signs of sun damage or marks
- Headlining in clean condition with no sagging or unusual marking
- Soft top mechanics in excellent condition, push-button hydraulic operation is smooth and effortless
- Boot in immaculate condition, no signs of corrosion on metalwork, no tears in carpet, and spare tire and jack present
The Exterior
- Overall straight and extremely well-kept exterior
- metallic paintwork deep and glossy
- Trim and bumpers in excellent condition, fitting perfect
- Some chips and small marks from the road as photographed
- Area of bubbling above driver’s side skirt by the door opening as pictured
- Glass in excellent condition with only very small marks to be expected for the age
- Rubbers and seals in above average condition, dark black and very little discolouration from the age; no reports of leaking from current owner
- Headlight lenses in great bright condition with only minor signs of sun fading, driver’s side shows some corrosion inside
- Fog lights in front show some signs of fogginess from age
- Rear lights in very good condition with no signs of fading or fogging
- Tires in great condition with plenty of tread left
- Original wheels in excellent condition, but some light scratches seen when up close
- Underside in overall better than expected condition for the age, with some surface corrosion present as pictured but not affecting structural elements
The Mechanics
- Engine bay is in above average condition for the age, only some small areas of surface corrosion seen on fan shroud and radiator mounting brackets
- Maintenance up to date, owner states no known issues to be dealt with
- Owner states 1.8L engine and transmission runs smoothly and accelerates as it should
- Owner states the vehicle stops, starts, shifts, and handles as good or better than expected
- Owner states suspension is smooth but sporty
- Underside rubbers, boots, and bushings in great shape, ready for more miles
- No smoke or strange noises observed, engine sounds healthy
Summary
This stunning final production year Rivage Gti offers a rare opportunity to purchase a true piece of Golf history! With only a couple of small issues to sort as mentioned, you’ve got an excellent and mechanically sound machine just begging to be driven and enjoyed with the top up or down. Just one of a reported 470 cars like it, this swan song for the Mk1 Golf is a rare treat indeed.
Notice to bidders
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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