The Great Classic Trade-up – from a E36 BMW 323 convertible to a 1991 VW Golf GTI Cabriolet

Our Great Classic Trade-up challenge with Classics World has entered round three, with Classic World purchasing a rather nice 1991 VW Golf GTI Cabriolet. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. We asked Phil Weeden to update us on their convertible car buying adventures…

Buying a prestigious German convertible on the eve of what would ultimately prove to be one of the hottest summers on record surely seemed like a masterstroke. The UK is the biggest market in Europe for convertible car sales, despite our unpredictable climate.

When it came therefore to buying a replacement for our first vehicle of the challenge, the Honda Acty Romahome, a low mileage, good condition BMW E36 323 convertible seemed like a no-brainer as my next step in the Great Classic Trade Up. However, for reasons we cannot fathom, it simply proved to be a really tricky car to sell on. One can only speculate the reasons. Maybe people are being more cautious with money in light of current economic concerns. Potential buyers are therefore fewer in number and also more discerning: they’re either looking for an absolute bargain, or are prepared to pay top money but condition, spec and mileage are key. Our 323 soft-top was very much in the middle.

Despite repeated efforts to sell it, and a few luke warm leads, by the end of August it remained unsold. I took matters into my own hands based on my own allegiance to open-top motoring and bought it for myself! As a four-seater convertible, it’s arguably much more of a family friendly modern classic than my rather indulgent two-seater Honda S2000. Before I take full ownership, however, I will be handing the keys over to sister publication Total BMW magazine, which launches in November. They will run it as a project car for a few months with the intention that I will place it in my garage in the early part of 2023.

Having agreed to pay £5k for it, there really wasn’t much profit in this second sale sadly. In fact, because the car cost us that in the first place, the profit has come purely from selling the various M-Sport bits, which accounts for £1175. That drops to £675 once you deduct the sale fees when we bought the car at auction. Hardly the cash bounty we were looking for.

Having been somewhat chastened by the BMW experience, we needed to move on from our 1990s German convertible. For purchase number three therefore, we decided to buy… a 1990s German convertible: a 1991 VW Golf GTI Cabriolet.

Now, there are a few reasons why I think I’m not totally insane, but I readily admit the purchase seems a little odd. My theory was that Golf GTI Mk1 hatchback prices are simply ridiculous as most 1980s hot hatch prices are these days. Therefore, the Cabrio version of the same iconic car represents fabulous value.

Next, while this spotless example was registered in 1991, the design of course harks back to the 1970s and therefore has a period charm the BMW lacks. Finally, the condition won me over. The 15-inch Rivage alloys were in decent nick, the paintwork was devoid of any rot and really all it needed was a good machine polish. Only the bumpers let it down with the odd bit of scuffing in places. The grille is a single headlight version as opposed to the twin headlight one it would have had when it rolled out of the factory. We do have a twin headlight grille with the car along with its original wheels, but we’re inclined to simply keep those separate and sell them on. The electric, foldable hood is in good fettle with no visible rips or tears.

The interior was similarly spotless. The seat trim is unmarked, the dashboard unblemished and all the gauges and switchgear work as they should. I simply love the functional purity of a Mk1 Golf dashboard. The ergonomics, the simplicity of form, the build quality and the clarity of the gauges make this one of the best interiors of its generation in my opinion.

The 1.8 110bhp engine sings along merrily and the distinctive, if slightly spongey, five-speed manual gearbox operates as it should. It’s hard to detect as it only manifests itself over extremely bumpy road surfaces, but there’s evidence of worn strut top mounts. That’s a minor, wear and tear job that’s relatively easy to fix.

On acquiring the car, I handed the keys over to our resident VW expert, Group Editor Paul Wager, who enthusiastically ran it for a few weeks. He stripped the offensive 1990s alarm and immobiliser that blighted many similar cars of that era and arranged for the bumpers to be repainted at a not-inconsiderable cost of £500. However, it looks mint and certainly draws a few admiring glances for those who appreciate these iconic cabriolets.

Curiously it has an official VW tow bar fitted and we were wondering whether or not to remove it and sell it separately. On closer inspection, however, it looks like removing the tow bar would actually damage the mounting of the whole rear bumper, which would lead to further complications. So we’ve opted to leave it in situ in the hope that it might appeal to the next buyer on the basis they might own a small trailer or maybe wish to carry a couple of mountain bikes around.

What we have here then is a truly desirable classic; one that can be used every day without feeling too precious about. It boasts plenty enough performance to keep pace with modern traffic and the electric folding roof means you can enjoy open air motoring at the touch of a button when the weather allows.

The good news is that I’ve already had a few people interested in it, including a neighbour of mine, who is a devoted VW enthusiast, having owned a rather lovely 1974 Beetle that once appeared in sister publication, VolksWorld. A deal is teasingly close to being done, so hopefully I’ll have some positive news come the next issue.

If you’re interested in making an offer on the Golf, or if you’re in the market for a lovely 1003 MX5, please get in touch with us at restochallenge@lancasterinsurance.co.uk.