∙The car has been stored in a temperature controlled carcoon ∙Only 3 Owners from new ∙Total underside restoration
The Background
Designed in secret during 1974 the original GTI was a task to develop a sporty version of the new VW Golf, their small hatchback. There was no official order to make the GTI but a Board member for Technology (Hermann Hablitzel) made sure that the project kept going and what a project it would turn out to be. After the greenlight from VW the GTI was released to world acclaim in 1975 with the first production units being available in 1976.
The original planned run of 5,000 units ended up being 461,900 and the GTI would go on to have major success in the new ‘Hot-Hatch’ subsection of the automobile world.
The cabriolet version of the Mk.1 Golf, built entirely at German coachbuilder Karmann's factory, was introduced in 1980. When the Mk.2 Golf came along in 1983, the decision was made to continue producing the Cabriolet in MK.1 flavour and such was its success that it stayed in production until 1994, a full 2 years after the Mk.3 Golf was released!
The Rivage edition was Volkswagen's swan song for the venerable Mk.1. Just 470 Rivage's were built and all came lavishly equipped with distinctive Le Castellet forged alloy wheels, sports seats, powered hood and distinctive decals on the rear quarter panels.
It's no secret that this Golf GTI Rivage has been loved since the day it rolled off the showroom forecourt. There have actually only been 3 previous owners of this car since 1990, and two of these owners were a husband and wife couple. The current owner was on the search for a Rivage since parting ways with her example back in the 1990’s. She was looking for an honest, low owner and low mileage Rivage. She succeeded when this car was found and it has been lovingly pampered ever since.
There is extensive paperwork that comes with this little Rivage. Bills small and large have all been kept by previous owners which will detail the works that have been done on the car. Also present are all the original handbooks too, including the service book which has the relevant stamps within.
One of the more interesting bits of the paperwork is the fact that the current owner has all of the original MOT certificates that date back to the first MOT. Not only are there all of the MOT documents but all of the previous owners have been able to keep the tax discs in remarkable condition too. This goes to show how well all of the owners have looked after this car. The new owner will also receive a memory card that documents all of the restoration stages so you can take in all of the detail that has been put into this car - there is simply too much to list here. This is about as comprehensive and complete as vehicle history gets.
The interior of this Rivage, unsurprisingly, is in really good condition. The entire car has been well looked after and the interior is no exception. The heated seats have no marks due to usually having a seat cover over them and the door cards are in great condition too. Within the interior you’ll also find the original Blaupunkt stereo radio and cassette player, all in working order too. With all of these positives within the interior you’ll be able to enjoy the car as it was intended. When you are done with exploring the interior you are able to electrically retract the original mohair roof and enter a new dimension and enjoy the great British weather at your leisure.
The exterior is in remarkable condition for the car's age. There are a few age-related marks here and there with one such area on the rear of the car, which can be seen in the photos. On the passenger door, a small chunk of the rubber seal has been damaged, but due to a huge network of readily available parts, this is nothing to be concerned about. It has been stored within a CarCoon for the past few years, which means it has been kept in the correct conditions to ward off any issues related with storing the car outside.
The engine bay is wonderfully clean, as is the mohair hood, but the underside is where this car really shines - quite literally! This is due to the recent underside restoration using genuine VW parts that this Rivage has gone through, with a raft of receipts to document this recent work. Looking up at this car from underneath, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's 1991 and you're just about to PDI this car for its first owner. It is truly spectacular.
With the love and attention this Rivage has received since 1991 you can imagine that the mechanical components of the car would be in equally great shape. You would be correct. Volkswagen's legendary 1.8 engine starts on the key and runs smoothly and pulls through all the gears without drama, with typical GTI gusto. The GTI is infamous for providing one of motoring's finest driving experiences and the vendor reports that this one is as good as it gets. Parts of note that have been changed include new fuel lines, fuel tank, a whole new brake system and a new clutch. Along with the underside restoration, the mechanicals of this car have been well maintained. There are receipts from Retro Barn Motor Company that back this up with a 3 page list of products that have been used.
The Appeal
The Golf GTI is an iconic car within the automotive world, surviving many generational tweaks and faces. Consider this Rivage a 'Greatest Hits' album by the Mk.1 band. The powered roof will allow the new owner to enjoy top-down motoring wherever they so desire, all contained within the glorious Mk.1 Golf GTI package. With all the work that has been carried out on this car, you will be able to enjoy it in the knowledge that it has been properly future-proofed and is probably the best Rivage out there. If you have been searching for the topless Golf GTI experience, then you probably already know this is the car for you. We agree.
With the love and attention that this example has received over its lifetime this is an excellent chance to own a stunning and well looked after example of a retro icon of the 20th century.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1991 Volkswagen Golf GTI Rivage
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