Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Cabriolet 1991
General description :
Model History
The legendary Mk1 Golf GTI was the car that first introduced us to hot hatches. Introduced in 1975, VW soon decided to transform the Golf into a sports orientated vehicle. Many people regarded this car to be the first true “hot hatch”, with its reliability, outstanding build quality, and usability.
The Mk1 Cabriolet was of a unibody construction and was built entirely at the factory of German Coachbuilder, Karmann. It was first seen for sale in 1980 with a manual convertible roof. Later to be introduced was the electric folding soft-top along with heated glass in 1991. Before 1984 the highest specification would’ve been the GLI. After this, with the new model Golf convertible, VW introduced the GTI variant, which became the highest specification.
Equipment
Inca Blue Metallic paintwork, Blue patterned cloth sports seats, 14-inch alloy wheels, 5-Speed manual transmission, Electric folding soft-top with heated rear glass, Tonneau cover, Dark blue carpets, Momo sports steering wheel (VW steering wheel included), Sony CD player, Spare key.
Exterior
Presenting in excellent mileage-defying condition, this lovely Mk1 GTI looks as good as ever beneath our studio lights. After a full machine polish by our in-house detailer the paintwork maintains a deep glossy shine all round with few imperfections worthy of note. Being really picky there are some hairline cracks in the paint at the top of the front bumper but otherwise it’s a very clean example. Quite remarkably there are no signs of corrosion in any of the common weak spots, and the underside is also notably fresh. The electric roof is without any rips or marks, operates exactly as it should, and can be neatly stowed beneath the accompanying tonneau cover when folded down.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
Readily equipped with sports seats in unmarked blue cloth, the interior of this little Golf is a great place to be. Amazingly there are almost no signs of any wear, even to the seat bolsters, the only real negative to report being a neatly drilled hole in the centre console. There is no damage or marking anywhere else on the dash, and all the switchgear still feels reassuringly solid to operate. In the footwells the dark blue carpets are well preserved with no discolouration to report, and at the rear of the car the boot area is very clean. A Momo sports steering wheel is currently fitted but the original VW wheel is also included, the only other upgrade over standard being a tasteful Sony CD player.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The car has just returned from a full vehicle health check, service, timing belt change and clutch replacement, and so as you’d expect, she’s mechanically spot on. The 112hp GTI engine of this particular example is incredibly smooth, and the 5-speed ‘box a real joy to operate. Lifting the bonnet reveals a very clean and tidy engine bay with no signs of any damage or previous poor repair. A small amount of surface corrosion is visible to some of the more exposed metal components, but certainly nothing unexpected for an original and unrestored Mk1 such as this.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The GTI sits on 14-inch ‘Snowflake’ alloy wheels all in very good curb-free condition, although there is some deterioration to the lacquered finish on each one. They are shod in a matching set of Dayton tyres with ample tread left throughout. The brakes have also been checked, cleaned, and adjusted as necessary, and so remain in fine operational condition.
History File
This lovely example in rare Inca Blue was first registered in May 1991. It was supplied new by Skipper of Cheltenham Ltd and has now driven just 80k miles in the hands of only 5 registered keepers (current since 2001). The current owner purchased the car over 20 years ago has always kept it garaged to preserve its amazing condition. Despite covering very few miles over the last few years the car has been MOT’d annually and maintained accordingly. At the current mileage it benefits from a fresh service, timing belt and water pump change, and the fitment of new clutch. With MOT until November 2022 she’s ready to be driven and enjoyed straight away.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/vw-golf-gti-mk1-cabriolet-for-sale/
1991 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Cabriolet is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £15495.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Golf Model Version : GTI Mk1 Cabriolet Engine size : 1.8 Model Year : 1991 Sub type : Convertible Location : Hampshire
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About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.