1983 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (MK1) GTI CABRIOLET

KEY FACTS  

• This Mk1 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a smart example of the lesser-seen open-top hot hatch, which has been well-cared for by its mechanic owner for the last 31 years, and features a few subtle modifications. 
• Under the bonnet is a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre inline-four, which sends around 112bhp to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. 
• First registered in November 1983, this Golf GTI Cabriolet has had only two keepers from new and has been with the seller for an impressive 31 years. 
• The odometer shows 89,647 miles from new.   

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES  

• This Golf GTI Cabriolet is finished in the ever-popular hue of Alpine White offset by a handsome dark blue replacement mohair convertible hood, over a black cabin with grey cloth upholstery on the seats and door cards. 
• It rides on an aftermarket set of 14-inch BBS alloy wheels with silver centres and polished lips, which are shod in Pirelli P600 tyres. 
• Factory-fitted equipment includes heating and ventilation, and manual winding windows. 
• The seller notes that the car has been fitted with a VW body kit from a later Rivage model, as well as a replacement convertible hood, and the previously mentioned BBS alloy wheels. Other modifications include Koni sports suspension, a Jetex exhaust, a J& R air filter, additional VDO oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltage gauges in the cabin, and a more modern Blaupunkt radio / CD player. 
• The car will be supplied with its original handbooks and used car card invoice, all of its previous MOT test certificates, the instructions for the Blaupunkt radio, the tool to adjust the Koni suspension, the tools to remove the BBS Centre caps, an A4 binder of receipts and instructions, and a Haines workshop manual and ‘improve and modify’ manual. The VW Heritage pack including the original build specification is present, confirming the engine is original. 
• The seller also notes that the original set of five ‘Vortex’ alloy wheels can be provided if required.  

CONDITION  

• The seller believes that the offside rear lower wing skin has been replaced, prior to them acquiring the car in 1992. 
• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. 
• Specific notes from the seller include: The car has been garaged for all but 18 months of my 31 years of ownership, and I have deliberately not tried to cover up the minor blemishes to show its true condition. Most of the paintwork is original, and given that the car is nearly forty years old the condition is outstanding. 
• The seller is not aware of any mechanical faults with the car, though they do note that the heater blower only has two rather than three speeds. 
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 2 August 2023 at 89,610 miles, resulting in a third-time pass with no warnings or advisories, after previously failing due to a major exhaust leak, slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing, and the offside front position lamp and horn not working, however all of these issues have been rectified.   

SERVICE HISTORY  

• This Golf has been carefully maintained by its time-served motor vehicle technician owner during their 31 years of custodianship. 
• Its most recent service was carried out in July 2023 at approximately 89,600 miles, which included an engine oil and filter change, flushing with Tunap 157 cleaning agent, cleaning and re-oiling the air filter, replacing the fuel filter, and servicing the rear brakes. 
• Prior to this, the car has been routinely serviced, with Mobil 1 engine oil used since 1995.  

Other work carried out during the seller’s ownership is detailed below: 

• 2023 – MOT advisories repaired - Front wheel bearing, exhaust manifold gaskets, and downpipe doughnut replaced. 
• 2023 – Rocker cover, radiator fan housing, and timing belt cover powder coated. 
• 2022 – New Jetex exhaust fitted. 
• 2019 – Body repairs, new windscreen and seal. Rear wheel arch repair panels under the wheel spats. 
• 2017 – New galvanised fuel tank, filler neck, and fuel pump fitted. 
• 2009 – Samco coolant hose kit fitted. 
• 2003 – New Mohair hood & headliner fitted. 
• 1994 – Drilled front brake discs and Goodridge steel hoses fitted. 
• 1994 – Koni sports suspension installed. 
• 1994 – Front suspension lower brace & polymer suspension bushes fitted (not anti-roll bar). 
• 1994 - Later ‘Rivage’ body kit taken from a 1991 donor vehicle fitted.  

SUMMARY  

This two-owner 1983 Mk1 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet is a stylish modern classic hot hatch, which boasts a few well-considered modifications, and has been well cared-for by its motor vehicle technician owner for the past 31 years. Recently serviced and reported to offer superb handling, steering, and throttle response, it will no doubt make a smile-inducing companion for sunny weekend drives on its new owner’s favourite roads.  

The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. For vehicles, unless otherwise stated, potential buyers should also assume that any cherished registration may be retained by the seller. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.   

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.