1981 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (MK1) GLI CABRIOLET

KEY FACTS

• A particularly smart example of the drop-top modern classic, in an appealing colour scheme and benefitting from recent refurbishment.
• Under the bonnet is the same 108bhp 1.6-litre inline-four found in the GTI, driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• An original right-hand drive UK-market example, this GLi was first registered in August 1981. It was acquired by the current family in 1983, and regularly maintained for some 23 years, prior to being put into storage for nearly 10 years.
• It was extensively refurbished in 2016 and gifted to the current owner as a birthday present, though is still on the same family registration from 1983.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Mk1 GLI has been fully resprayed in a handsome bronze metallic hue, which is contrasted by its replacement cream convertible hood.
• Inside, the seats have been retrimmed in beige cloth, the door cards are clad in beige vinyl, and the dashboard and interior trim are a period-appropriate dark brown.
• The car is largely standard, though its engine has previously been replaced, along with the folding soft-top, and some of the body panels. The stereo is a modern Sony upgrade, which has Bluetooth connectivity.
• It rides on a set of 13-inch alloy wheels, which would usually be found on a Mk1 Volkswagen Scirocco, and which are in very good shape overall.

CONDITION

• The vendor notes that the bootlid and one of the front wings have previously been replaced, and there is no visible bodywork damage.
• The bronze paintwork has been resprayed, and is in excellent overall condition, with a deep and glossy appearance around the car and no significant blemishes.
• The replacement convertible hood is also in good order, with no rips, tears or scuffs, though a small trim piece is missing from the corner just above the driver’s-side quarter panel.
• Inside, the retrimmed cabin presents particularly well and there is no visible wear on the cloth-covered seats; however the trim on one of the window winders is missing, along with one of the door mirror adjusters.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 19 August 2021 at 124,854 miles, which resulted in a clean pass after small issues with the rear brakes and the horn were rectified.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Golf GLI’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in August 2021 at 124,806 miles by Staunton Garage, who changed the engine oil and oil filter, as well as fitting a new battery.
• Prior to this, services were performed in July 2018 at 124,806 miles, and in August 2017 at 124,169 miles.
• The vendor notes that the car was routinely serviced throughout their first 23 years of ownership.

SUMMARY

This Mk1 VW Golf GLI Cabriolet is a stylish retro cruiser, presented in an attractive colour scheme and benefiting from recent restoration work. Sharing the GTI’s engine while boasting the open-air appeal of a convertible, this well-cared-for example has been in single family ownership for 38 years, and would now make a characterful companion for bright weekend drives or to display proudly any number of classic car shows.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.