Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (1979-1993) COBI 24660 – Action Town 1:35

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF CABRIOLET 1979-1993 MODEL | COBI 24660 

Building set of the Volkswagen Golf convertible model manufactured in the German town of Osnabrück. The car comes in a vibrant red color with a black side stripe along both sides and a white soft top. Behind the front seats is a roll bar protecting the passengers in the event of a vehicle rollover. The model is produced under official license from Volkswagen AG.

Did you know that:

The first generation of the classic VW Golf was introduced for the first time in 1974 as the successor to the VW Beetle, at that time designated as Type 155.  And because Volkswagen lacked experience in constructing modern convertibles, it turned to its long-term partner – Karmann of Osnabrück. The company had been producing open-top versions of the Beetle since 1949 and was among the most renowned European convertible manufacturers. 

Development began around 1976. Karmann engineers built several prototypes exploring various methods of body reinforcement. The biggest challenge was maintaining sufficient structural rigidity once the roof was removed. To ensure the body remained safe, it was necessary to reinforce the door sills, the floor pan, the windshield frame, and other load-bearing structures. The result was the distinctive fixed roll bar between the front and rear seats. This significantly increased body rigidity while providing rollover protection for the occupants.

The new car was unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 1979, and serial production commenced shortly after. For a period, it was even manufactured concurrently alongside the existing Beetle Cabriolet. The last Beetle Cabriolet left the factory in January 1980.

Initially, the car was offered with a 1.5 L engine, a 1.6 GTI,  and in 1982 with an even more powerful 1.8 L. An interesting aspect of the Golf Cabriolet is that it remained technically based on the first-generation Golf. Although Volkswagen introduced the second generation of the Golf in 1983, a new Golf Cabriolet was not developed. Consequently, the Cabriolet was merely updated over time. In 1981, the roof was redesigned to provide better rearward visibility. In 1988, the Cabriolet received the so-called Clipper kit – larger bumpers, wheel arch extensions, side skirts, and an overall bolder appearance. Starting in 1990, a series of special editions was offered, including Bel Air, Coast, and Classicline. An electro-hydraulically operated roof was also made available.

In June 1991, vehicle number 331,848 rolled off the assembly line in Osnabrück, allowing the Golf Cabriolet to surpass its predecessor – the Beetle Cabriolet – and become the most produced convertible in the world. Production continued for another two years. The last Golf I Cabriolet was built in 1993, with total production reaching approximately 392,000 units.

Technical specifications: 

• vehicle length - 3815 mm
• vehicle width - 1610 mm
• wheelbase - 2400 mm
• body - two-door convertible
• seating capacity 4
  
• front-wheel drive
• 4-speed manual transmission
• engine displacement 1457 cm³  8V 51 kW
• top speed - 150 km/h
• 0-100 km/h in 14.3 s
  
• fuel tank capacity 40 l
• combined fuel consumption 8-9 l/100km

From the memories of a Karmann employee:

“...When we were developing the Golf Cabriolet, one of the biggest challenges was naturally the trunk space. We had to keep in mind that four people would be riding in the car and everyone would want to bring something along. And do you know what we agreed on back then? A crate of beer simply has to fit in there....”

About the COBI construction set: 

• COBI 24660 building set is made of 89 high-quality ABS pieces 
• Action Town collection 1:35
• pad printed - no stickers
• faithful design
• made in the EU
• compatible with other building block brands