1990 Volkswagen Golf Clipper Cabrio

Highlights

Dry-stored until 2022 with around £2,000 spent on recommissioning
Recent gearbox mount and linkage arm replacement
Hood service and hydraulic renewal at a soft top specialist
Resprayed in original Inka Blue metallic in 2016
Long MOT valid until April 2025

The Appeal

The Golf Cabrio had quite a task ahead of it when it was introduced in 1980. It was intended as a direct replacement for the ageing Beetle cabriolet - and there were few cars more beloved than the round-faced, friendly little bug. Thankfully, the new young upstart, with its angular lines and refined drive, proved very capable of quelling any outrage. Indeed, the cabrio was so popular that it went unchanged for the first two generations of the Golf.

In 1988, Wolfsburg introduced the 'Clipper' Cabrio. A refreshed, modernised iteration of the MK1 bodyshell, it offered side skirts, body-coloured bumpers, wheel-arch extensions...it was simply a sportier-looking, more aggressively positioned car.

This 1990 example, finished in the striking Inka Blue, is being sold on the behalf of the vendor's father - and to our eyes, it's quite a fabulous one. Lots of work has been completed in recent years, and it's left the car in utterly superb fettle.

History and Paperwork

Declared new at first registration on 15th October 1990
Previous owner since 2007
Dry-stored until 2022, with around £2,000 spent on recommissioning
Current keeper purchased in May 2024
MOT until 15th April 2025
140,650 miles indicated when pictured
Recent gearbox mount and linkage arm replacement
Hood service and hydraulic renewal at a soft top specialist
12 previous registered keepers but well cared for
Dry-stored by current and previous owner

Supplied with:

Original wallet and handbook
Plenty of invoices
V5 present
One key
Spare front seat covers
2 spare 'Clipper' decals
New gaiter replacement
4 mud flaps
Spare wheel centre caps
Recent invoices detailing recommissioning work in 2023

The Condition

Exterior is original except for clear rear light lenses and side repeaters
Clipper decals and Karmann badges are present
Minor rust bubbling on the slam panel and surface rust on the brake servo
Resprayed in original shade of Inka Blue metallic in 2016
Paintwork in great shape with some light scratches and imperfections
Electrically operated blue mohair hood shows no signs of tears or splits, and is complete with tonneau cover
Distinctive GTI-style four lights at the front are original Clipper spec
Includes two main beam units in the grille
Original Volkswagen-branded flat-face seven-spoke alloys refurbished in 2023 (invoice included)
4 Black Centre Caps included
Yokohama tyres all round with plenty of tread left
Good condition for the year
Two-tone black and grey interior
Original sports seats with grey cloth and patterned inserts
Upholstery in good condition for the year and mileage
Typical wear on the driver’s seat bolster
Fabric could use a good clean
Rear seats look barely used
Dashboard and door cards free from cracking or major distortion
Steering wheel shows very little sign of 140,650 miles of use
Gear knob in good condition
Headlining in good condition with no tears or holes
Carpets have come loose around the door apertures
Nearside door mirror adjustment knob needed
Luggage compartment needs tidying
Modern face-off Panasonic MP3/CD stereo unit with aux input

The Mechanics

Highly dependable 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder rated at 90hp
Desirable five-speed manual gearbox
Minor oil leak around the sump noted by MOT tester
Car starts well and runs smoothly after recent plug and HT lead replacement
The previous owner has carried out suspension upgrades
Subject to a recent gearbox mount and linkage arm replacement
The vendor informs us that it is excellent to drive
We've no reports of any mechanical issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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