Identify this SE Golf GTI Cabriolet anyone?

[richandhazel]

Can anyone help me with this? 'jv' you have a few articles on special editions on the Golf GTI homepage, any ideas?

I was informed by the previous owner that this particular model was a 'special edition' and aside from the alloys, the car is original as purchased  from the dealer:-

http://members.lycos.co.uk/richandhazel/Golf%20GTI%20Cabriolet/index.html


I have yet to confirm whether this is true or not. The only person I  have found that seems to know anything about this model is at GSF in Badshot Lea, formerly Autocavan.  I respect any information I get from this guy,   he's worked there for at least as long as I have been into VW's which goes back as far as 1987 when I purchased my first MK I 1600 Golf GTI on a 'W' plate (1980). Neendles to say he is Veedub mad. He seems to think that it was a car that was available from the dealer as seen, however, most people did not like the 'Lada' look headlights and converted them back to the traditional round headlights setup.  He seemed to think it was a very rare model.

Anyone got any idea's?

The trouble is I don't particularly like the square headlamps and am tempted to convert it to the round headlights. however if it is a rare model then I'll keep it as is.

[jv]

Hi Rich,

It doesn't ring any bells with me as an official limited edition. With that white interior it looks like the Coco Chanel edition but that was mid-eighties I think.

I would guess at that being a Kamei or perhaps Zender kit.

Those headlights do it no favours in my opinion!  

cheers,

jv

[richandhazel]

The headlight grill is kamei, the side skirts are BBS and the front spoiler is Zender. I have been led to believe that it is possible that they were fitted prior to import to this country.
However if no information turns up, I think I'll be investing in a new grill and some round headlights.

[richandhazel]

Good news, it looks like I have a 4 round light grill coming my way.
I removed the square ones this evening and in doing so I think I may have answered my own question.
Underneath the square headlight trim on the N/S the front of the wing is slightly damaged and dented. Its nothing much to worry about, some minor cosmetic work, however, that does mean that that trim and those headlights haven't been on there from day 1.
I now feel a lot happier about removing the square headlights and going back to the round ones.
It also means that it isn't a special edition as I was lead to believe.

[albo]

Did you manage to figure out whether the wings are standard?

[richandhazel]

Yep, the wings are standard (phew), they looked shorter because they tucked into that headlight trim a good inch. Bit of an optical illusion.
Hope to get the lights Thursday.......can't wait

[harr1s]

hi rich sounds like you've been busy with the cabrio youl have to post some pics of before and after shots. did you get the picture i mailed you. i wasnt sure if it was any good it was a picture off a picture...


    Harr1s..........

[jv]

Hi Rich,

Just seen that someone has a wanted advert in PVW for a Kamei mk1 square headlight grill kit. They must be mad  

Let me know if you want the details.

jv

[richandhazel]

Nice one John, yes if you wouldn't mind forwarding the details, I'll get in touch......thanks

[jv]

You have mail  

jv