History of the Volkswagen Golf Type 155

Volkswagen launched the Golf I Cabriolet in 1979, turning the compact Golf into a proper four-seat open car rather than simply removing the roof from the hatchback. Development and production were undertaken with Karmann at Osnabrück, Germany.

The central engineering feature was the fixed rollover bar behind the front seats. Together with reinforced sills and windscreen frame, it provided the structural reinforcement required for a convertible body. It also became the Type 155’s most recognisable styling detail. Although the regular first-generation Golf hatchback ended much earlier, the Golf Cabriolet remained in production through to 1993, receiving subtle mid-1980s styling and technical updates along the way.

Model history

Type 155 denotes the Golf I Cabriolet. It was introduced as the open-bodied counterpart to the first-generation Golf and outlasted that hatchback generation by several years.

Across its 1979–1993 production run, the Cabriolet was offered with carburetted 1.1-, 1.3- and 1.6-litre petrol engines as well as 1.8-litre units. Early cars could have four- or five-speed manual gearboxes; later examples were commonly fitted with a five-speed manual, while an automatic was offered on some versions. Later 1.8-litre cars often used the 2H engine, rated at 72 kW (98 hp). Higher-spec GLI, GTI and Sportline versions used the 1.8-litre DX engine with Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection and approximately 82 kW (112 hp).

Volkswagen Golf Type 155 highlights

• Karmann-built body: Golf Cabriolets were manufactured in Osnabrück rather than on the regular Golf hatchback line.
• Fixed rollover bar: The “strawberry basket” hoop is both a structural component and the visual signature of the Type 155.
• Long production span: Built from 1979 to 1993, well beyond the life of the Golf I hatchback.
• Four-seat layout: Unlike many compact convertibles, the Golf retained seating for four.
• Broad specification range: Equipment could include power steering, heated seats, power windows, central locking, air conditioning, MFA trip computer and alloy wheels.
• Open-air usability: Most cars have a manually operated fabric hood; selected late or special versions could have an electrically operated top.

Technical data for the Golf Type 155

Special editions and notable versions

The Type 155 range included numerous named editions: Etienne Aigner, Classic Line, Genesis, Toscana, Bel Air, Fashionline, Sportline and Clipper. These cars could combine exclusive paint colours, specific upholstery, badges, colour-matched trim, distinctive wheels and additional comfort equipment.

The Sportline combined sport-focused trim with the 1.8-litre 112 hp DX engine and could feature Recaro sports seats. Late-production Classic Line examples are associated with particular paint-and-upholstery combinations, special emblems and comprehensive equipment. UK-market Clipper versions are identified by their distinctive body kit.

Condition checks and maintenance points

No model-specific fault list has been supplied, but inspection should concentrate on the known age-sensitive areas of the Type 155. Check wheel arches, sills and the windscreen frame carefully for corrosion, despite factory cavity sealing and PVC underbody protection. The condition of the reinforced convertible structure matters as much as exterior paintwork.

Inspect the fabric hood, its lining, frame and seals for damage, shrinkage and water ingress. Verify that the rear heated window operates where fitted. On cars with an electric hood, test the mechanism through a full cycle. For fuel-injected DX models, establish whether the Bosch K-Jetronic system has been serviced correctly; for carburetted 1.1-, 1.3- and 1.6-litre cars, check cold running and carburettor operation.

Service books, invoices, factory literature and original sales documentation can help establish the history of individual cars. Period-correct components such as BBS, Le Castellet, Ronal Aero or Avus alloy wheels, VW Alpha or Gamma radios, and original upholstery are worth recording when assessing specification.

Engines, transmission and driving character

Every Golf Type 155 uses the Golf’s front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The conventional suspension layout was retained; some later cars have upgraded springs from Eibach or similar suppliers and Monroe or equivalent dampers. These modifications should be identified as factory-fit or later changes when examining a car.

The driving experience differs substantially by engine. Carburetted 1.1- and 1.3-litre cars are the entry-level versions, while the 1.8-litre models provide the strongest outputs listed for the range. The 2H late-model engine delivers 72 kW (98 hp); GLI, GTI and Sportline versions with the injected DX engine reach about 82 kW (112 hp).

1. Golf Cabriolet 1.8 DX (GLI/GTI/Sportline) — 1.8 litres, Bosch K-Jetronic injection, approximately 82 kW (112 hp).
2. Golf Cabriolet 1.8 2H — 1.8 litres, 72 kW (98 hp), commonly paired with a five-speed manual in late cars.
3. Early Golf Cabriolet 1.1/1.3 — smaller carburetted petrol engines, available with four- or five-speed manual transmission depending on version. undefined

Design, interior and equipment

The Golf Type 155 is immediately identified by its fixed rollover bar, a feature that separates it visually from a conventional fully open convertible. The body is a two-door Cabriolet with a fabric roof and a four-seat cabin. Roof materials include high-quality Sonnenland fabric on some cars; later examples may use plastic or vinyl roof material.

Trim levels and special editions brought substantial variation inside. Available materials included black-and-white colour tweed, jacquard fabric, vinyl and leather. Sportline and GTI-related cars could be fitted with Recaro sports seats. Factory colours covered reds, blues, whites, greens and black, with special metallic finishes used on limited editions.

Depending on specification, buyers could find fog lamps, a rev counter, digital clock, MFA trip computer, power steering, heated seats, central locking, electric windows, air conditioning and remote fuel-cap release. Period accessories and upgrades include wind deflectors, tonneau covers, cassette radios and speaker packages.

Documentation and originality

Many Type 155s have accumulated a mix of factory equipment, period accessories and later alterations. Check whether wheels, suspension, radio and security equipment are original, period-correct or modern replacements. Cars may come with factory booklets, service records, invoices and sales literature; the extent of this documentation varies.

The Cabriolet is often described as a young classic. Its durable mechanical basis and the availability of spare parts are relevant practical considerations, but condition of the body structure, roof and trim remains crucial on a car built between 1979 and 1993.

Volkswagen Golf Type 155 summary

The Volkswagen Golf Type 155 is the Karmann-built Golf I Cabriolet produced from 1979 to 1993. Its reinforced body, fixed rollover bar and four-seat layout define the model, while the range runs from carburetted 1.1-litre cars to 1.8-litre injected DX versions with approximately 82 kW (112 hp). When choosing one, establish the exact engine and edition, inspect corrosion-prone body areas and the hood, and document any changes from original specification.