1982 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (Mk1) GLi CABRIOLET

This VW Golf Mk1 GLi Cabriolet is a very smart modern classic presented in highly original condition, ready to enjoy during summer. Its engine is the 108bhp 1.6-litre inline-four from the GTI, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The car has been driven and enjoyed as intended, and the odometer now shows 113,417 miles from new.

An original UK market car, first registered in August 1982, there are just three previous keepers on the log book. The seller acquired the car around three years ago, and says that it has proven to be a very reliable drop-top, starting “first time, every time”.

The bodywork of this Golf Mk1 is reported to be in straight and solid condition, with no accident damage or signs of concerning rust. The seller notes that the car has previously had a new front wing and repairs on a sill to rectify age-related corrosion, but that it now presents in very good order throughout. The Baikal Blue paint appears smooth and even around the car, and there is no unsightly fading or notable lacquer damage. Some small blemishes are present on top of the passenger door.

The light lenses are in great shape, and the badging is all present and correct. It even retains the original ‘Whites Wimbledon Limited’ registration plates. Its window and door seals are aged in places, and would benefit from renewal in those areas in due course. The front and rear bumpers have also faded over time, but are undamaged.

The seller notes that the car has received a new dark blue mohair roof and insulation padding, and that the mechanism works as it should. It rides on the original 13-inch ‘Tarantula’ alloy wheels, which are in superb condition.

In the cabin, the interior upholstery is believed to be all original, finished in a combination of blue vinyl and grey cloth. There are some small nicks and frayed sections on the seat fabric in the front and rear, but generally it wears its miles very well indeed. Both door cappings have suffered from UV damage and are cracked and gouged in places. The steering wheel and gear knob are correct and in good order, there are manual winding windows in the front and rear, and the stereo has been upgraded to a Pioneer head unit with USB and aux-in connectivity, and with new speakers. The seller notes that the original stereo comes with the car and could be repaired and refitted.

Following a period of approximately 10 years in dry storage, a major overhaul was carried out in July 2015 at 108,648 miles, by marque specialist Volksentre Ltd in Blyth. This included replacement of the fuel tank, fuel pump and fuel sender, as well as the alternator and distributor. The injectors were also renewed, along with the timing belt, belt tensioner, a rear wheel cylinder, brake pipes, and the exhaust. Finally, it was given a full service with fresh oil and filters.

More than half of the mileage was covered during the first six years of the car’s life, and there are nine main dealer services on record for this period. Since then, it has evidently been driven more sparingly, including periods of storage prior to the most recent renovation.

The most recent MOT test was on 22 February 2020 at 113,332 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. It had initially failed two weeks earlier, needing some repairs to the rear brakes and lights, which were subsequently attended to. The wheels are shod in Firestone Multihawk tyres in size 175/70 R13 all round, which are date-coded to 2015 and still have almost their full tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is a very good history file, including the original owner’s manual, service record, consumer guide, and other literature. There are receipts for all of the work carried out within the last five years.

This VW Golf Mk1 GLi Cabriolet is a popular modern classic that is presented in unmolested original condition, and which is in good mechanical order following its recent overhaul. While there are a few small areas that would benefit from cosmetic rejuvenation in the future, this is a smart 1980s drop-top with a peppy engine, which is ready to enjoy immediately.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.