Lot 036: 1987 Volkswagen Golf Clipper Convertible

Launched some thirty-four years ago, the MKI Golf was an instant hit. Crisp, classless and chic, its appeal proved universal. Penned by Giorgetto Guigiaro along his "total industrial design" principles, it allowed Volkswagen to finally pension off the outmoded Beetle. Like its GTI sibling a few seasons before, the Karmann-styled Convertible version became a must-have model. Debuting at the 1979 Geneva Salon, it was such a neat, well-resolved package that VW continued production into the 1990s bypassing the MK2 entirely. Introduced in 1985, the Clipper variant was powered by Wolfsburg's redoubtable 1781cc four-cylinder engine allied to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Notably well-equipped it proved a strong seller and maintains a loyal following to this day. Finished in red with black / grey upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition. Said to have recently benefited from a new lined hood which "fits really snug with no wind noise or leakage", 'E127 AUF' is also able to boast "nice period alloys, spotlights and a modern flip front radio cassette player". One of just 500 RHD automatic Clipper Convertibles produced worldwide (or so the seller was apparently told by the Golf Car Club), 'E127 AUF' is believed but not warranted to have covered some 84,000 miles from new. Potentially eligible for classic car insurance and a viable year round proposition, this stylish MKI Golf is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2009.