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, 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 and torquey 1.8-litre
- Desirable five-speed manual gearbox
- The car has a curb weight of 1000kg
- 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
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
