With about 400,000 sold worldwide throughout a 14-year run, relatively few of these convertibles remain today. Fewer still can be found that are as well-preserved as the 1988 Cabriolet recently for sale on eBay.
A Basket Full of Fun
Unlike the millions of VW Golf two- and four-door sedans pumped out of US factories in the day, Volkswagen Cabriolets were largely hand-built in Germany by high-quality coach builder Karmann. Unlike most droptops, the Cabrio features include an integrated roll bar for crash protection and a five-layer insulated fabric top like those in luxury cars.
A garage-kept and well-maintained example from sunny Florida, this Cabrio is in excellent cosmetic condition inside and out. More than $8,000 in mechanical work and maintenance has been completed in preparation for the sale. A stickler for detail, the seller sourced parts imported from Germany wherever possible.
Feels Like New
A correct 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is under the hood, backed by a five-speed manual transmission. Sourced from another Volkswagen, the replacement power plant has fewer than 90,000 miles and is said to run well. Recent maintenance work includes replacement of the following key components:
- Timing belt
- Accessory drive belts
- Water pump
- Fuel pump
- Thermostat
- Battery
- Motor mounts
- Exhaust
- Engine gaskets
- New spark plugs, wires, and complete tune-up
- Oil and filter
- New Sachs clutch
This Volkswagen Cabriolet has also been treated to a full suspension and brake service. New tires have been fitted all around.
Still wearing most of its original red paint, some of the lower extremities have been freshened with a quality respray for a uniform look. Extensive photos show no evidence of rust or body damage, and even the underside of this garaged vehicle looks clean. The engine compartment is especially impressive, looking virtually as tidy as a new car.
The convertible top is in similarly excellent condition and functions as it should. Inside, the original gray patterned upholstery looks fantastic, with no evidence of rips, tears, or fading—something that can’t often be said of a 35-year-old convertible. The dash and carpets look factory fresh, with factory carpeted mats for added protection.
The only modification from stock is an upgraded aftermarket head unit with an AM/FM stereo radio and CD player, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Purists can breathe easier knowing the original radio is included with the sale.
More than just a well-preserved example, this Volkswagen Cabriolet has the added benefit of a freshly completed mechanical restoration with attention to the smallest detail. It’s now ready for another 35 years of open-air driving.
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