The 1989 Golf Cabriolet Adored by a Generation of Motorists

Article written by Bush Tyres

The Birth of the VW Golf Cabriolet

The first Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet prototype was presented to the management team at VW by coachbuilder Wilhelm Karmann GmbH in as early as 1976. Some minor changes were made to add roll over protection and improve the roof design before it was finally made available in 1979.

The cabriolet had a reinforced body with transverse roll over bar and a high level of finishing trims. The VW Golf Cabriolet models were all built in their entirety within the Karmann factory. VW supplied the engines, suspension, and interiors to the factory for assembly. The convertible tops were made of either vinyl or cloth and manually operated until 1991 when an electric version was introduced.

Production of the cabriolet ran until 1993 with some late examples being registered up to 1994. Uniquely, the golf cabriolet body did not change design through 3 model changes of the standard Golf. Except for a larger fuel tank and a space saver spare wheel being added to make room for it, the car looked the same as it did in 1979.

This owner’s example is a 1989 model which visited our Bush Tyres Boston depot for a wheel alignment check. All examples from 1988 were fitted with a “Clipper” body kit featuring colour coded and smoother bumpers with wider wheel arches and side skirts. This gave the car a sportier look in keeping with the more modern designs from Ford’s RS models and other competitors of the time. Before 1984, the highest standard specification for the Golf Cabriolet was the GLI, which was essentially a GTI in all ways apart from the badge. The 1984 models were unveiled and finally given an officially GTI badge.

If you drive a classic convertible like this VW Golf, or any other car, van or motorhome, Bush Tyres fully trained alignment specialists are ready to help. Alignment settings are always completed for FREE. Bush Tyres only charge for any adjustments made. These adjustments will help your fuel economy and make sure your new tyres last as long as possible.

If your car or classic needs a wheel alignment check, you can visit any of our local branches where we have experienced technicians using the most up to date equipment available to provide you with the most accurate service possible. You can book your FREE Alignment check today by calling your local branch, or by visiting our alignment booking form by clicking here!

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