1984 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

Few cars capture the spirit of the 1980s quite like the Mk1 Volkswagen Golf, and the Cabriolet combined the joy of open-air motoring with one of Volkswagen's most recognisable designs. Finished in white, the Golf has a wonderfully period appearance, particularly alongside the black exterior trim, red grille surround, and polished wheels. The paint presents well from a short distance but, as expected from a car of this age, closer inspection reveals various marks and imperfections. These include the aforementioned bubbling around areas adjoining the roof, together with smaller age-related marks around the body. There is also a small mark visible on the rear bumper. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The classic Mk1 shape presents well overall, with the Cabriolet retaining the sharp, angular lines that make these cars so distinctive. There are a few imperfections worth noting. A very small dent is present on the driver's side front wing, while a small crack can be seen on the front splitter. There is also a small split around the boot lid area, and the boot lifter is currently not working. Some bubbling and scuffing is beginning to appear around the edges where the bodywork meets the soft top, which prospective buyers should inspect closely in the photographs. The soft top itself appears to be in good overall condition and sits neatly both raised and folded. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The black dashboard remains pleasingly simple and distinctly Mk1 Golf. The original-style analogue instrument cluster sits clearly ahead of the driver. An aftermarket Pioneer stereo has been installed, while additional gauges can be seen mounted lower down in the centre console. There are mounting holes on top of it, but overall, the dashboard and surrounding trim present well. They display general signs of age rather than anything particularly distracting. This is where the little Golf makes plenty of sense. Alison describes it simply as fun to drive, and with the roof down it offers the kind of straightforward open-air experience that made these cars so popular. The engine feels solid, the gearbox changes smoothly, and the brakes provide good feedback. his example feels lively and engaging on the road, with a solid-running engine, smooth gearbox, and a suspension setup that makes it an enjoyable classic to drive. One point worth mentioning is the steering. The car appears to pull slightly to the left. Alison tells us that it has behaved this way throughout her ownership, although the cause has not been investigated or confirmed. The exterior glass appears to be in good condition overall. Much of the contrasting black trim remains present and provides an effective break in the white bodywork. As with the rest of the exterior, there are small signs of age and use, but the trim presents well overall. Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself. The Golf sits on a set of attractive BBS-style cross-spoke alloy wheels with polished outer lips. They suit the car particularly well and contribute heavily to its period appearance. Looking closely, there are areas of kerb rash, scuffing, and some corrosion present across the wheels. Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old. The front seats are finished with grey patterned fabric centres and contrasting light-coloured bolsters, with the same combination continuing into the rear. Overall, the upholstery presents very well for the car's age. There are some signs of use and age to the lighter sections, but no major deterioration is immediately apparent from our visit. The carpets similarly appear in serviceable condition and the cabin as a whole has clearly retained much of its period character. Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself. The engine is reported by Alison to be solid, with no unwanted noises noted during use. Power is sent through a manual gearbox, which Alison describes as smooth in operation; again without any unusual noises. The engine bay itself presents honestly rather than being highly detailed or restored, with the photographs showing the various age-related marks, surface corrosion, and general signs of age and use. The main controls and equipment present as expected during our time with the car, although buyers should refer to the photographs and accompanying listing information for a full assessment. An aftermarket Pioneer stereo is fitted, along with additional gauges in the centre console. One known issue is the boot lifter, which is currently not working and will require attention. Alison had wanted a Golf Cabriolet for some time before her husband surprised her with this example as a gift. It has subsequently provided several years of enjoyable ownership, and plenty of open-top motoring. With the car now seeing less regular use, Alison feels the time has come for another enthusiast to take it on. A couple of big invoices and a good number of MOTs show that a lot of care and money was spent keeping this Golf in great condition. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. The suspension feels good on the road. No unwanted knocks or noises were noticed during our drive. The brakes also performed well, with a decent pedal feel. They brought the car to a stop as they should. The Volkswagen steering wheel shows some visible wear around its rim, consistent with the car's mileage and age. The manual gear lever is positioned neatly in the centre console and Alison reports that the gearbox operates smoothly without any unwanted noises. Together with the simple analogue instruments and three-pedal layout, it is a wonderfully straightforward driving environment.