VW Golf MkI Cabriolet
Four-seater classic convertibles are hardly common, so a good ragtop Golf has lots to offer
PROJECT HOW’S THE ROOF?
Replacing a damaged hood is costly, complicated by a rusty frame, worn cables or perished seals. Budget £500 minimum.
RUSTY FLOOR?
An old roof likely means a rusty floor so prepare for a lot of welding. The car probably won’t be worth what you put into it.
GETTING THE BITS
With the exception of a few interior components, most panels and mechanical parts are easy to find. Not always cheap to buy, though…
USABLE
CHECK THE CABIN
Many have had unsympathetic use, living outdoors and becoming quite shabby. Watch for damp and signs of water ingress into the cabin.
SPOT THE ROT
Rot spots include the notorious fuel filler neck – awkward to put right. Sills, wheelarches (check behind mouldings) and doors corrode, too.
IS IT MODIFIED?
Aftermarket parts are common. Only turn a blind eye if they’re easily and cheaply reversed; resale values will suffer otherwise.
GOOD
CHECK THE BELT
For this sort of money the cambelt ought to have been replaced recently (they last four years/25k miles) and the gearchange tight; it tends to get sloppy with age.
HISTORY COUNTS
Smart ones aren’t too rare, but most have received a lot of home maintenance and low-budget welding. Don’t buy sight-unseen and check the history file for anomalies.
CHECK THE SEATS
Tidy seats are a good sign, because the cloth fabric isn’t very robust. The same applies to door cards; replacements won’t be cheap.
CONCOURS
IS IT RESTORED?
Untouched originals aren’t exactly common. The best are typically restored, with varying degrees of originality and care.
IS IT ORIGINAL?
Regardless of specification and year, condition and history are the key factors to bear in mind. Total originality helps the best to stand out, because it’s fairly unusual.
KNOW THE MODELS
Late GTI Clippers fetch a premium, as do the run-out GTI Rivage and Rivage Leather. Very early cars attract attention too, but only if they’re in good enough condition.