Built by Karmann, the Golf Cabriolet endured through the evolution of the original Golf hatchback and, from the mid-eighties, was available as a GTI version.

This one is an extremely rare Sportline Cabriolet with a mere 90 appearing on the ‘How Many Left’ website. It's in lovely condition and, with plenty of original features and a fully working electrically operated roof, it's a great example of a real retro ride that rarely comes up for sale.

The car has a reasonable history with a good number of stamps in the service book that is kept in the original book pack. Both the stamps and the MOT certificates show just how little use the car has had in recent years. 

There are several invoices showing that work has been done outside the servicing schedule and includes the fitment of a coil-over suspension kit.

The cabin of the Golf is in fabulous condition for its age and is showing little signs of wear. The Jacquard Recaro seats are in good order with only the driver’s bolsters displaying slight use. That said, the seats are still very supportive. The dash is free from any sun damage or cracks but there are some scuffs to the glove box facia. 

The instruments are bright and clear with only the small LCD clock appearing to have an issue. There’s a set of three dials mounted into the centre console that are currently inoperative. The aftermarket Pioneer flip front stereo appears to give a little bit of bling but has not been tested. The speaker grilles are currently off the speakers but would be an easy and economical fix. The all-important golf ball gear knob is thankfully retained.

The flame red paintwork is in generally good condition with some expected stone chipping to the front but has a lovely deep shine. It is unclear whether the car has had any paintwork as there is no invoice to confirm it. However, the edges of the bonnet have had some reactions which could suggest at least a partial respray at some point. 

Any other minor imperfections in the otherwise very presentable and shiny coachwork are simply age-related. The fabric roof is in lovely condition and works without hesitation, although the car is without a tonneau cover. The original BBS alloy wheels are in fabulous condition and are free from any nasty kerb scars and are a great contrast against the red body. 

The Golf has not been inspected underneath but the photographs obtained from ground level appear to show that the underside is solid and without damage.

Mechanically, this car is pretty much as VW intended with the 8 valve 1.8 engine and 5-speed gearbox. The braking system remains original but a set of coil-overs have replaced the standard suspension. This provides the opportunity to adjust the car’s ride height, and currently, the car is set a little lower than standard which certainly enhances the sporty look. 

The engine appears to be in good order and runs quietly without emitting any noticeable fumes. The gears engage exactly as you’d expect from a Golf of this era. The current MOT certificate which expires in September 2023 has one advisory for some corrosion on the rear brake hose ferrules.

So, this car may have some tiny imperfections, but it is one of the rarer Golfs out there and the little jobs are far from insurmountable. 

The Golf GTi is an icon and is still greatly admired in all forms and here’s one that has obviously been looked after and tastefully modified here and there. It possesses so much originality that makes it extremely desirable and easy to be returned to completely original very easily if desired. 

The Sportline GTi is rare enough and having one become available to buy is a rare opportunity indeed. 

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.