1985 Volkswagen

Wolfsburg Convertible

4 Cylinder 1.8 Liter

Automatic

Gasoline

Happy New Year! Why not start 2011 with some champagne, or perhaps a champagne-colored 1985 VW Cabriolet Wolfsburg Edition? This loaded and lust-worthy car was sold new in Bossier City, Louisiana in 1985. Like all Cabriolets of its era it was custom-built in Germany by coachbuilder Karmann, and was one of 12,637 Cabriolets sold in the U.S. that year. The far more limited Wolfsburg Edition took this already-elite car over the top, with a full leather interior and gorgeous alloy wheels. The buyer of this rare car ordered two other major key options, an automatic transmission and air conditioning, which brought the window sticker (still with the car!) to $14,450. With inflation, that translates to nearly $30,000 in today’s money. In 1985, one could have bought an Alfa Romeo Graduate, a Honda Prelude Si, a Pontiac Trans Am, a Nissan Maxima, or a Cadillac Cimarron for less money. I have a nice collection of records for the car. This little VW lived the majority of its life in sunny Northern Louisiana, avoiding all the ravages of the snowier climes. It was sold to its second owner by the original dealership in 2000 with just 19,322 miles on it. That owner kept the car for four years and 16,000 miles. It was next sold in 2005 to a Philadelphia, PA couple. These third owners kept the Rabbit garaged and drove it only 1,000 miles year as their rare summer outing car. In August 2009 the car was purchased from them by a VW enthusiast couple who owned it the past 18 months. They drove the car from 38,000 to 44,000 miles, and by using it regularly while planning to keep it long-term, they trouble-shot anything that needed repair – none of it unusual, just the sort of things that come up when a car has been hibernating. In the past 5,000 miles the car has had a new Sears battery, ignition switch, heater core, cap and rotor, valve cover gasket, motor mounts, vacuum lines, alternator and shocks. It also has brand new Futura Touring HR P185/60HR14 radial tires, installed less than 1,000 miles ago on October 14 ! The most recent owners spent over $2,600 in the past 18 months to make the car ready to drive cross-country or to be a daily driver. However they decided to sell the car as they were starting a new business, which is how I found out it was available, all ready to be enjoyed and still with just 44,500 miles on it from its 25 years on the road. Between its excellent and original condition, and the documented recent work, this car is a good bet for many reliable miles ahead. I bought the car as a Christmas surprise for my girlfriend. She came with me to pick it up and she looked just awesome driving it home. I thought I had a hit on my hands until she sat me down and explained that she’s been saving up for a specific, newer car. I already have a vintage VW that she enjoys so she doesn’t think she needs one of her own… sigh. The Cabriolet is thus ready for its next owner much sooner than anticipated. In the condition it is in, I am confident that new owner will have no disappointments. I am not a mechanic but I’ve owned a few of these cars. I have driven the car about 250 trouble-free miles, enough to get to know it and vouch for its condition and performance. I have owned vintage VWs over the past 20 years and I can’t stress enough how important it is to buy ones that have been well kept. None of them are maintenance-free, but well-kept ones are so much fun to own they’re well worth the investment. This special Wolfsburg Edition is swathed in Code 71 blue and grey leather, not just the two-tone seats but door panels and steering wheel too – and it has clearly been pampered while being driven just 44,500 miles. A car can be restored, but it is only new once, and this car is pretty new. It’s in the condition one might expect a well-cared for four year-old car to be. 1985 was the first year that the Wolfsburg Edition was offered in silver (it looks more like champagne), a very nice color for the model that was discontinued after 1986. 1985 was also the first year for the Avus or snowflake alloy wheels on the Wolfsburg, and it was the first year this car was officially called the Cabriolet (rather than Rabbit Convertible). These Cabriolets were uni-body constructed at the Karmann factory, from stamping through final assembly, utilizing VW-provided mechanicals and interiors… like few other modern cars, truly “coach-built.” The A/C works! And the other expensive option, the automatic transmission, is smooth and well-suited to the car. I have owned a twin of this car in the past with a five-speed and the automatic does not disappoint in any way, and it’s rarer for those seeking it. I’ve been driving the car both locally and on the highway and it performs beautifully, peppy to say the least and it cruises comfortably at 70 mph. It is not a new car but it is so well designed that it is suitable to modern traffic and due to its size and frugality with fuel it is legitimately practical and a breeze to park. The interior is delightfully fresh with no rips or signs of abuse. The top looks OK but it’s not new; in fact it might be original. It works fine, keeps the elements out, but the outside decorative trim is separating at the edge of the rear windows, and it is showing some age overall. With use or exposure it will eventually need replacement. Please don’t panic about this -- CabrioWorld.com sells nice vinyl (original spec) tops for just $184, and another options is a really sharp Stayfast fabric top for about twice that amount. My own choice would be a Stayfast medium blue top to match the interior, but there are many other good options to suit your tastes. You’ll reuse the original glass window with working defroster when you replace the top, but that won’t be tomorrow. There aren’t many other imperfections to list. Far fewer marks even on the paint than are usual for its age or even its mileage. The bodywork behind the driver’s door has some rippling in it; no paint is broken. You probably can't even see it in the pictures. The previous owner and I agreed it’s best accepted and left alone since the paint is so nice. VW’s comfortable and supportive sport seats always wear on their outer bolsters from entry and egress. This car’s have no tears, but the driver’s side lower bolster has worn down its stuffing as they all seem to. The driver’s seat currently does not fold forward, the latch isn’t catching for it, though the passenger’s does fine. A recent owner installed a CD stereo and the original radio is no longer with the car. A chip in the plastic surround was made during the installation. I feel it’s important to note this car started life as a VW Rabbit, one of the most famous economy cars of all time. All Rabbits provide terrific performance and great fuel economy, and their engines frequently go 200,000 miles and more; but these are driver’s cars that give feedback from the road. Their idle isn’t smooth and their motors aren’t silent. If you are familiar with them you know this, but if you’ve been driving a Cadillac or really any modern car, it can take some getting used to. Conversely if you have been driving an older VW Beetle, the Cabriolet will feel quite modern. Some nice extras will come with this car. The original boot cover is with it and in good condition though with one snap needing replacement. There is a brand new $42 service manual included. Also as noted above the radio has been upgraded with a JVC KD-S670 CD player. Any VW enthusiast or 1980s nostalgist should consider this car a rare and wonderful find. My girlfriend’s friends are surprised that she’s taking a pass on it, but her loss can be your opportunity. I welcome you to come see the car and take a test drive if you are local. I will be glad to answer any questions as best I can. I will work with the buyer to either meet you or your shipper to deliver the car and ensure it gets safely on its way. Depending on where you are located, I might also be available to deliver the car inexpensively. This is a no-reserve auction, so you the bidders will determine the car's value. I would like a $500 deposit through PayPal and the remainder by check or bank check unless otherwise arranged in advance. I will be glad to mail the title and arrange the car’s pickup as soon as payment clears. There are lots of other cars for auction today, and I appreciate your taking the time to look at this one. I am confident it’s one of the freshest cars with the least needs in its price range, and it is every bit as much fun as it looks to drive. The smiles and thumbs-up you get are nice too!