1991 Volkswagen Golf Clipper

This Volkswagen Golf Clipper is a UK supplied and specified model hailing from 1991, having been registered in August of that year. This Clipper features the 1781cc carburettor fed, four cylinder petrol engine which features in the GTi less the latter’s fuel injection. In this car, this is paired with a three speed automatic transmission lending this cabriolet an easy going, easy to drive persona.

With six previous keepers spanning 1991 to 2024, the Clipper was acquired by current owner, Robin, in September 2024. The original plan was for the Golf to be used as the ideal runabout at the owner’s Spanish villa. A change of plan has rendered the Clipper now surplus to requirements, however. This MKI Cabriolet has been very modestly used by its various keepers, especially in recent years with the car having covered less than 10,000 miles in the last 10 years.

With today’s mileage totalling a shade under 46,000 it is this light use combined with an impressive degree of 1990’s originality that marks this example out as something a bit special. With compact automatic cars proving very sought after, currently, this Golf Convertible will likely prove popular. Especially with a dry and warm late summer and autumn in prospect.
 

This post 1988 facelift car showcases all the Clipper upgrades very well indeed. These include the more sophisticated looking body-coloured bumper covers in place of the earlier car’s somewhat underwhelming items. Subtle side skirts and wheel arch extensions lend the Clipper a whiff of sportiness despite this being the boulevard cruiser iteration. All of these work very well in our car’s gleaming black livery which makes a nice change from the seemingly more ubiquitous “all-white” versions of the breed.

Both the paintwork and bodywork of this example look pretty good in light of its 24 year age. The panel gaps particularly look to remain to the usual Volkswagen / Karmann “bank vault” standards. Cabin glass looks clear and original with just a little early delamination noted on the passenger door window. Likewise light lenses look bright and clear throughout. Inevitably there are a few imperfections to report which include a minor ding to the nearside rear wheel arch, some “orange peel” finish to the boot lid and a few other small scratches and chips here and there. These have been captured by our photographer for your review. 

This clipper was treated to a new hood in October 2024. The black fabric hood was supplied and fitted at a cost of £950. As a result it looks perfect today and we note the original glass, heated rear window was thoughtfully retained judging by the presence of the original dealer window sticker. A black hood cover is also present to keep everything neat and tidy once the hood is lowered.

The Golf rolls on a set of pepper pot style steel wheels finished in original silver paint. These are 14-inch items and retain their original VW embossed centre covers. The condition of these is good overall although there are a few minor scrapes and scratches noted upon close inspection. A mixed set of tyres are fitted in the correct 185/60 configuration.
 

Although notable for a fairly conservative approach compared to some, the MKI Golf’s interior emphatically raised the bar in terms of quality, fit and finish in this segment. This Clipper’s cabin is no exception. Upholstery is courtesy of a hardwearing woven fabric featuring a houndstooth check design intermingled with a plain grey herringbone. It’s a classy and sophisticated combination and the condition appears to remain excellent with no areas of wear or staining noted. A small, pea sized (burn?) hole is present, however, on the driver’s outer bolster.

Despite requiring a narrower rear bench to help accommodate the hood’s electro-hydraulic mechanism, this remains a full four seater convertible with an impressive level of practicality and daily usability, if required. Door cards and rear panels are upholstered in matching grey and houndstooth check and the carpets are black and retain a surprisingly generous level of pile. The equipment levels are modest by today’s standard, but you have everything you need to include electric windows and the all important button operated hood deployment. There are a few scruffy areas here and there to include some carpet edge fraying and a few missing screw covers and the like.

That surprising degree of practicality is carried through to the “post box” style boot despite it having to work around a sizeable multi-layer hood and its associated frame, pumps and actuators. It is a deep and sensibly shaped space, despite this, and the floor panel lifts to reveal spare wheel and tyre and associated jack and tools.
 

The inline four cylinder 1781cc engine in this model features a Pierburg 2E2 twin-choke carburettor resulting in an originally quoted output of 90bhp at 5,500rpm. This is accompanied by around 102 Ib-ft of torque from a usefully low 2,500rpm. This example is fitted with the three speed VW/Aisin AW 71-01 automatic transmission with power routed to the front wheels. 

Despite what seems like a modest specification by today’s standards, the Clipper is still a very light car despite its sophisticated Karmann hood accoutrements. Weighing in at little over 1,000 kg, the Clipper is capable of delivering a sprightly driving dynamic which will unlikely leave the driver feeling short-changed. 

Given this car’s low mileage and current advisory free MoT it is thought to be in an impressive mechanical condition with no known issues noted or reported.

The transversely mounted engine is a 1990’s architype of an uncovered bird’s nest of wires, pipes and ancillary bits and bobs. This is entirely true to form for the period and, hence, as impressively original as the rest of the car. There is some scope for some additional cleaning and detailing here, should that be deemed necessary by the next owner. 

The underside of the Golf looks very straight and still features plenty of original, stippled under seal.
 

The Clipper’s paperwork archive is small but perfectly formed. The V5 Registration Document in the name of the owner is present together with the advisory free MoT in hard copy. The latter is valid until April 2026. 

The original Volkswagen book pack is present in its vinyl folder which contains a plethora of booklets and leaflets covering every aspect of the car. A number of invoices from various points in the car’s history are present. The more recent of these include the one for the new hood, another relating to a wheel alignment and a third for an audio head unit repair.
 

The MKI Golf Cabriolet was so well designed, resolved and engineered that it almost transcended its association with the standard car becoming a model in its own right. No wonder, then, that Volkswagen left it in production right through the life of the MKII Golf. By the time it ceased production in 1993 the MKI Golf Cabriolet had become the most ubiquitous convertible car in history.

This example is a charmer. It looks great in its gleaming black livery and newly fitted hood. It is a very original car with only an aftermarket head unit noted as a non-OEM addition. The impressively moderate mileage marks it out as somewhat of an outlier for this model and reflects in its very impressive overall condition. This car’s automatic configuration will also be considered a boon for many and one that suits the delightful laid-back nature of this car very well indeed. Iterations with such a confluence of desirable traits are now becoming quite rare. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £14,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.