Was there ever such thing as a Mk1 'GTI Cabriolet'?

I've seen this term used ocasionaly. I know late model Cabriolets had GTI engines, but was there ever an official GTI Cabriolet created?

 

Simple answer, yes. 👍🏼

Can't remember off hand when the GTI version was released but as a guess from about 88 on.

I think there were three 1.8 engine versions with:
90 bhp, 98 bhp and 115 bhp aka the GTI.

Mine is a 98 (same engine as the GTI) which I could rechip but what's the point? 🤔
It's more than quick enough and at the end of the day it's convertible! 👍🏼

Production wise, not so limited as you might think and again a sheer guess I'd say 25% to 30% of the entire production. 🤔

Sent from my Smartphone 📱

 How can you tell which bhp the car has


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Yes  even early ones had available a 1.5888 GTI engine. They were known as the GLi.. There was of course the lower engine sized models available. (GL) Around 1982 the 1.8 injection engine became available.  1985 the GTI became spec for UK cars. So 1988 the GL was changed for the carbed "Clipper Model" which was considered the base model. So Cars fitted with the 1.8 GTI post 1988 are the "GTI Cabriolet". 1988 VW updated the look by face lifting the car with arch and cill covers and  bigger bumpers. So I often see folks call this the "Clipper  Kit" which is a misnomer as even the "GTI Cabriolet" had the same kit. Others call it the big bumper model but it's actual name is the Face lift model.

Up to 1983 models The GLI seems to have been a GTI in all but name, from 1984 the GTI badge was used instead.
see https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/index.php?page=galleries&type=misc&id=1984_golf_cabriolet

In 1983 the All White GTI was launched. As far as I can tell that was the earliest badged variant of the GTI.

1984 was a 'change over year' with the Mk2 hatchback being launched and the cabriolet formerly being badged as a GTI (previously badged as the GLi, even with the 1800 engine).

The timeline on the club page is a little bare around the 1983-84 years and it took me some time to work out the model year changes a few weeks ago.

Perhaps we could update that bit lhasadreams ?

I joined VW in the latter part of 83 and don't recall selling any new GLi's so that would seem about right to me. 👍🏼

Golf Cabrio said

I joined VW in the latter part of 83 and don't recall selling any new GLi's so that would seem about right to me. 👍🏼

😎
Just looking at your sig Mike, you can still get your photo from Photobucket and load straight to the site.
Shame not to have it displayed!!!!
I re-posted all my build photos the other week, soul destroying work but it's done now.

Then I noticed all the previous AGM stuff was blank - now that IS a big job to take on!!!

Dano said

Golf Cabrio said

I joined VW in the latter part of 83 and don't recall selling any new GLi's so that would seem about right to me. 👍🏼

😎
Just looking at your sig Mike, you can still get your photo from Photobucket and load straight to the site.
Shame not to have it displayed!!!!
I re-posted all my build photos the other week, soul destroying work but it's done now.

Then I noticed all the previous AGM stuff was blank - now that IS a big job to take on!!!

Morning Dano,
Yeah it's a real bițch, I've lost a great deal of photos especially for GAP! 😕

But Ade lhasadreams is working ⚒ on something so I understand. He mentioned it on another post, not sure what exactly what but fingers crossed 🤞 he might be able to get some back.

I think he said it's around 54,000 photos! 🤔😱👍🏼

Dano

Schroll down this post to read Ade's comment! 👍🏼
https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=chat%2Fgeneral-chat_3%2Ffree-image-hosting#post_1578088

Sent from my Smartphone 📱

Thanks all. So, I guess the remaining question is: Should I remove the 'Golf GTI' badge that, I believe, the last owner stuck on the back of my 93 Cabriolet?

meltingdog said

Thanks all. So, I guess the remaining question is: Should I remove the 'Golf GTI' badge that, I believe, the last owner stuck on the back of my 93 Cabriolet?

What does it say on the registration document?
Because it should state it there. 😉

Have a look through this 1993 brochure and work out what you model is. 

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/index.php?page=galleries&type=misc&id=1993_cabriolet

It looks like the GTI came in Rivage/ Sportline trim that year. Perhaps yours is the Clipper??? 

 Mines an '83 All White convertible owned for 32  years and it is a GTI not a GLI. So yes,  there is such a thing as a GTI cabriolet from at least '83 onwards.

a9wyn said

 Mines an '83 All White convertible owned for 32  years and it is a GTI not a GLI. So yes,  there is such a thing as a GTI cabriolet from at least '83 onwards.

Out of interest what does it state on your V5?
It's just out of interest because I was selling them back then but bůggered if I can remember what badges they had! 😂

Just for your information but the all white was received with mixed feelings by potential buyers. They either loved it or not and if loved it was the Ladies and not the Gentleman.

I'm guessing but I think I've sold about 30ish new Cabbies and maybe 3 of those were the all white.

That's why really nice ones are so desirable! 👍🏼

meltingdog said

Thanks all. So, I guess the remaining question is: Should I remove the 'Golf GTI' badge that, I believe, the last owner stuck on the back of my 93 Cabriolet?

NO is the simple answer… if it has the DX injection (they did put another engine in late production) engine it is a "cabby GTI". Open your boot and look at the paper sticker on the cross rail. That will give engine code and paint code.

Dano said

Have a look through this 1993 brochure and work out what you model is. 

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/index.php?page=galleries&type=misc&id=1993_cabriolet

It looks like the GTI came in Rivage/ Sportline trim that year. Perhaps yours is the Clipper??? 

Thanks for that stuff!

Haha ok, so: Appearance wise mine looks like the Clipper - it has the same body kit and seat fabric and an injected angine. However, mine does not have power windows and it appears to have the wheels from the Rivage.