For sale: '83 RHD Golf GTI Karmann Cabriolet
'An icon of open-top motoring, presented in extraordinary condition and ready to be enjoyed'
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We are delighted to offer what is quite possibly one of the finest surviving examples of a Mk1 Golf GTI Cabriolet available today. This UK-supplied, right-hand-drive 1983 Golf GTI Cabriolet has covered an extraordinary 12,200 miles from new and is finished in the highly desirable and exceptionally rare Triple White specification. With just 470 UK-market Mk1 Golf GTI Cabriolets produced in total, a Triple White example in this condition, mileage, and originality firmly places this car in true collector-grade territory.
This particular Golf benefits from exceptional provenance, having previously formed part of the former Patrick Collection in Birmingham — a privately run motor museum housing up to 250 vehicles spanning over 100 years of motoring history. Built purely from passion rather than profit, the collection was known for preserving its cars to an extremely high standard. This Golf GTI Cabriolet is a clear beneficiary of that custodianship, with original collection stickers still present on the car today.
The car has also gained wider recognition as the feature vehicle in the YouTube video titled “The Best VW Golf GTI In The World?!”, further cementing its reputation among enthusiasts.
Finished in L90E Arctic White, the paintwork presents beautifully, with no dents, damage, or corrosion. The body is arrow-straight and entirely unmodified. It sits on its original colour-coded 13-inch Tarantula alloy wheels — a rare and highly desirable detail, as most Mk1 GTIs were supplied with silver wheels. Evidence of factory-applied Waxoyl remains visible underneath and within the engine bay, a rare and reassuring indicator of both low mileage and careful long-term storage.
The interior is nothing short of exceptional. The white GTI cloth sports seats, white trim, and carpets remain in outstanding condition. Early in the car’s life, custom-fitted Karobe seat covers were installed specifically to protect the original upholstery — a decision that has paid dividends decades later. White interiors typically show heavy wear, making the condition of this example particularly remarkable.
The white manual soft top is in excellent condition and features the earlier twin-lever manual mechanism, widely regarded as superior to later electric systems due to reduced leak risk and increased boot space. As with all factory-built cabriolets, the car benefits from reinforced structural seals beneath the body, compensating for the absence of a fixed roof.
Power comes from the correct 1.8-litre fuel-injected 1781cc four-cylinder engine producing 110bhp — notable as not all GTI Cabriolets were fuel injected. The engine received a cambelt replacement at 11,000 miles and has been correctly maintained throughout its life. The engine bay presents superbly, retaining original finishes and traces of protective wax, with no signs of corrosion. The car has been religiously dry-stored and remains fully original, something increasingly rare among early Golfs.
A genuine show-winner and a cornerstone addition to any serious Volkswagen or modern classic collection. Opportunities to own a Mk1 GTI Cabriolet of this calibre are vanishingly rare.
On the market for £21,995.
Located in North Devon.
UK and worldwide shipping can be arranged.