Highlights

Documented bare body rebuild
Engine fully machined and rebuilt by Dudley Engine Centre
Upgraded brakes and suspension
Original carpet fitted with a driver's heel pad
Trim in blue leather

The Appeal

Unusually, the Golf GTI Cabriolets skipped a generation when the base car moved into the MK2. As a result, even as the Golf was beginning to rounded out into the form we know today, the traditional MK1 staying was still very much available - complete with a soft-top.

This example is exactly that - carrying perky GTI performance with that angular 80s spirit that makes the original Golf so utterly iconic. The car has undergone a full bare-body rebuild, leaving a vehicle in utterly fine fettle, machined and upgraded while maintaining its inimitable character. The car's cabin is similarly retrimmed and refurbished to a high standard.

The resulting car is a thoughtfully upgraded and very comfortable retro classic that hasn't lost a jot of authenticity.

History and Paperwork

Built in 1989
The DVLA records 13 previous keepers
In current ownership since 2012
Initially bought as a project to rebuild
The vehicle is serviced in-house with MOTs supplied
The car was SORN for much of early 2024
Valid MOT until April 2025
Complete with photographic record of the rebuild

The Condition

Bodywork in excellent order
The car was repainted from bare shell to top-coat with the Novol paint system
Trims in good order throughout
Original alloys
Soft top carries some marks but is otherwise in good order
Underside of the car is coated and in beautiful condition
Original carpet is fitted with a driver's heel pad
The trim is now in blue leather
This is beautifully presented with no rips, tears or sag
All instruments are clear and legible
Modern JVC music system has been fitted
A heel pad has been installed in the driver's footwell
Carpets in good order

The Mechanics

1,781cc four-cylinder petrol engine
Manual transmission with 5 gears
Engine has been fully machined and rebuilt by Dudley Engine Centre
The car has upgraded brakes and suspension
We've no reports of any mechanical issues
We understand the car is ready and waiting to be driven away

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:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.