1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI MKI

This 1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 Convertible is one of the later models, bought only three years before Volkswagen stopped selling the Golf Convertible (Mk1). It’s a well-run example with nearly 115,000 miles on the clock. Its 10 former keepers have taken good care of it, and so has the vendor, who bought the car around eight months ago.

It has a clear (no advisory) MoT certificate valid till July ’22. Its description wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that it’s accompanied with some VW service history, an array of old invoices, and a fair bit of recent work done by the vendor including a repaint and  a thorough maintenance, more on which you can read below, along with a detailed account of its overall condition.

The Giugiaro-designed mk1 hatchback has always been praised for its styling, and the Karmann-built convertible isn’t too different on the whole. Some of the major differences include smaller tail lamps (shared with the early-model hatchback), a roll-over hoop that works in conjunction with strengthened sills to make up for the loss of rigidity (apart from providing roll-over protection), a foldable hood that can be neatly tucked under a tonneau cover, etc.

This 1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI benefits from a recent repaint, new wings, and refurbed wheels. The shiny paintwork does manage to make the car look fresh, although it’s not entirely free from blemishes. There’s no damage or surface rust on the bodywork, and that adds to the car’s appeal. But one mustn’t forget that this one is a well-used car, and as a result, some parts may need attention if you’re thinking of turning it into a show-ready example. For instance, some of the rubber seals might need replacement and the hood’s fit can be improved, too.

The overall design mightn’t be as simple as the hatchback’s, but the Golf Convertible does offer a good mix of versatility and with the roof down, it’s got a unique, very likeable look too — which doesn’t stray too far away from the hatchback’s simple lines.

Like the exterior, the cabin is also one step ahead of the Beetle’s. The overall interior design was shared with the Golf hatchback, but with the roof down, it was infinitely roomier. With the roof up, it’s not that bad, either. The cloth interior seems perfect when you think that it’ll be largely used during summers. And while the hard-plastic dashboard does make it look archaic in comparison to modern counterparts, it’s bound to last longer and finds its appeal in the simple design, delicate-looking stalks, highly legible instrument cluster, etc.

This example’s interior, you'll be pleased to learn, is very clean, and that point becomes even more relevant considering that it’s been around for more than three decades and has more than 100,000 miles on the clock. Its understated dark grey cloth interior is very 'of the period' and looks good. The usual age-related wear that one would expect is largely absent, which is reassuring that it’s been taken care of well in the past. While it appears to be stock, for the most part, it also has a functional CD player/radio fitted.

Apart from minute damage on the cloth, the seats look to be in good shape and so does the dashboard. Since the electrically operated hood is stowed outside, it doesn’t encroach into the boot space. Which means going on leisurely drives on a weekend won’t be too much to ask for in the Golf Cabriolet.

The Golf GTI Convertible might be based on the hatchback, but it differs slightly due to the presence of chassis reinforcement, a transverse rollover bar, etc. As we know, an absence of a roof does cause a reduction in chassis rigidity, to counter which, the aforementioned were used. 

The 112bhp 1.8-litre engine can more than handle the added weight from the rollover bar, making the GTI Convertible a thoroughly enjoyable car. It’s done almost 115,000 miles, and that’s backed by service history and MoT records. When the vendor commissioned a repaint for the car, he found that it looked fairly straight and rust-free. He not only replaced the front wings but also the brakes and suspension. The underside is better than what its age would suggest and is largely devoid of damage or rust. The vendor adds that it drives beautifully and everything works as intended.

Registered in September 1990, this Golf GTI Convertible has 10 former keepers, excluding the vendor, who acquired the car a little less than a year ago. Under his ownership, much work has been done, which makes the car ready to be driven and enjoyed by the new owner. The paperwork includes some service history at VW and old invoices; and it’s supplied with two keys.

As mentioned, it currently has an advisory-free certificate, valid till July 2022. In terms of mileage, it had done nearly 100,000 miles in the first 16 years of use (by 2006), and in the next 16, it’s just done a quarter of that.

This seems like a genuine but well-used example of the Golf Cabriolet. The recent work done by the vendor means it doesn’t just look shiny but is in a good shape, mechanically. The overall, and very commendable, condition of this GTI Convertible goes on to show that the previous 10 keepers took good care of it, too.

At an estimated £7,000 - £10,000, the Mk1 Golf GTI Convertible is a more summer-friendly version of the revered Golf GTI hot hatchback. Since VW sold a lot of these, parts will never be an issue, and since it hasn’t been drastically affected by rust, it’s bound to serve its new owners well without requiring any work.

When driven one after the other, the GTI hatch might seem to be sharper and better suited for enthusiastic driving. But at current prices, the convertible seems to offer more value and of course, has a bit more versatility. Which is why even if you weren’t in the market for open-top motoring, it deserves a second look.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.