1990 Volkswagen Golf GTi Cabriolet

The example offered here is a 1990 model finished in Helios Blue with just five former keepers. The current MoT is valid until March 2024, with just a few advisories noted on the pass certificate. There’s also plenty of service history, along with invoices and documentation from the Mk1 Golf Owner’s club. Although it’s a UK model – and of course, right-hand drive – this car has spent time in France, and even comes with French registration plates.

It has been owned by the former keeper for three years following a purchase from the people he works for, but he’s now looking to move the car on so someone else can enjoy it. As you can see from the MoT history, the car has seen limited use since 2014, and the time spent in the south of France would have done wonders to slow down the corrosion process – something the UK climate can’t always cater for!

Despite being produced at the time the Mk2 was rolling off the production line, the Cabriolet is based on the Mk1, meaning it’s slimmer, and a bit smaller than its successor. The model offered here is finished in Helios Blue, and in recent times has been treated to a blow over to help the paint look fresh. This was due to the lacquer cracking whilst it was under the French sun during its previous ownership.

From factory the car would come with 14” alloys, which are miniscule by today’s standards, but this example has tasteful 15” alloys made by Borbet, which are still inkeeping with the car’s original design language.

Speaking of the alloys, they are in great condition, free from corrosion or scuffs, and they are wrapped with Hankook tyres that look to have lots of tread. The body looks to be straight and true, with no major dents and scratches. The front end bears the iconic quadruple light unit setup that the early GTIs were known for, and the lights also look to be in great condition.

As well as being presented in a desirable colour, the GTI Cabriolet benefits from wider arches to give a wider stance to make it more imposing on the road. As well as the fatter arches, there are GTI badging both front and rear just in case there is any doubt.

The tonneau cover has stood the test of time well, free of any cracking or tears. The soft top does have slight damage on the offside rear, but other than that it looks to be in good condition. The glassware is in great condition, free from scratches, cracks, or chips, although some of you may have noticed the rear-view mirror is missing, but that will come with the car. The rear registration plate is showing some signs of deterioration, but is easily rectified with a replacement.

Despite being over thirty years old, the interior is in a very presentable condition. Yes, there is a bit of wear on the aftermarket steering wheel, as well as some damage on the driver’s seat, but this is to be expected for the age of the car, and doesn’t detract from the overall package. As well as offering an aftermarket steering wheel, a Sony head unit has also been fitted to help bring the car into more modern times.

Apart from the wheel and the stereo, the rest of the dashboard area is as Volkswagen intended, and has stood the test of time well. The instrument cluster is refreshingly simple, and the odometer is currently reading 118,246 miles. The rear seats are in good condition, ready for two willing occupants to enjoy the 1.8-litre thrum in the sunshine. There are some small knicks in them, but nothing that could be classed as major damage/wear. The front passenger seat is also in great condition, making this car a credit to its former keepers.

The glassware is in great condition, free from scratches, cracks, or chips, although some of you may have noticed the rear-view mirror is missing, but that will come with the car. The rear lights are also in great condition – free from any cracks, tarnishing or damage.

Because of the extra space needed to accommodate the roof, the boot isn’t as large, or a versatile, and is accessed via a small tailgate that lifts at the rear. The roof itself looks to close correctly, so should be watertight, with no sagging coming from the headlining. As this is a later model, the interior features a lockable glovebox for added security.

The engine bay shows signs of use, but although this car is not high mileage, it’s clearly been enjoyed, which is what it’s made for. The Rocker Cover is showing some corrosion, but nothing that is likely to affect the car mechanically. The car comes with original stickers and the plaques are present and correct.

Powering the Golf GTI Cabriolet is a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 112bhp along with 113lb ft of torque. This power is fed to the front wheels via a 5-speed gearbox, and if worked hard enough 60mph is achieved in under 10 seconds, with a top speed a little north of 100mph.

Moving underneath the car there are some areas of corrosion, but that is to be expected due to age of the car, although there doesn’t appear to be anything that is likely to cause any immediate concern. The MoT shows that the car has recent repair work to the nearside front following a failure for corrosion. The current owner has said the car has been reliable in the three years he has owned it, stating that the next owner will be able to use it straight away.

This example was registered in April 1990 and has been enjoyed by five former keepers plus the current keeper who has owned the car for three years. As well as spending time in the UK this GTI cab has also enjoyed time on the other side of the channel and even has French registration plates to go with the car.

The service has many stamps in it with a mix of main dealer history and independent garages. Invoices supplied with the car show a puncture repair was carried last year, the cambelt was replaced by Crazy Quiffs in 2015 along with other work, and there are two invoices from Colbourne’s as well.

Both of these are dated 1999; the first of which was for a major service, front brake pad replacement, alternator belt as well as carrying out an investigation into the electric windows not working. The second invoice highlights the replacement of the rear brake shoes, which was advised in the major service carried out a month before that.

The current owner has owned it for three years after he bought it from the people he works for. As you can see from the MoT history, the car has seen little mileage in the last decade or so, which prompted the current keeper to buy the car as he thought it was a shame the car was not being used.

Within his ownership, he has said the car has presented no problems, and he has been servicing the car himself. The current former is now looking to move the car on as he’s not using it as much and he wants the car to be enjoyed by someone else.

This is a great opportunity to get a slice of Mk1 Golf GTI action without having to pay the extra premium of going for the hatchback variant. There aren’t many of these about, either, so it’s also a chance to own a rare classic that could appreciate as time goes by. Yes, this example is not pristine but it’s an honest example, warts and all.

We estimate this vehicle to fetch between £6,000 - £10,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Oxford, United Kingdom. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.