The Cabby was made along side the Rocco at the Karmann Factory in Osnabruck, as VW wasn't sure about production numbers and changing the line at Wolfsburg to accomodate.
As Karmann were specialist coach builders VW approached them to do the Cabby, so it is a a special made bodyshell and not a standard tin top with the roof cut off. Karmann took the MKl bodyshell, strengthened it to increase its weight to 136 kg, and created the best convertible money could buy in 1979. Modifications were pretty much as with the hatchback Golf. The GLi had the 1588cc GTI engine and suspension, while the GLS had uprated trim -- but only a 70 bhp, 1457cc engine. In 1982, the 1.8 GTI engine was installed into the GLi, and the GLS got a 1595cc unit. For 1981, the dash was upgraded. Sports seats and a lockable glovebox became part of the specification by 1983. The GTI designation was finally adopted in 1985. In 1988, VW modernised the bodywork with rounded bumpers, integrated front spoiler, rear apron and more prominent wheel arches, this became known as the “Clipper kit or Big Bumper kit” Also, a 1.8 carburettor-fed Clipper Model, replaced the old 1.6 GL and in 1990, a power hood was added to the spec.
Therefore there was no MK 2 version of the Cabriolet.
There have been plenty of special editions, from the Christmas Cabriolet (85-86) mistakenly called the Cocco Channel, whom never had a connection with VW.
3 versions of this were:
"Lady Sunshine" - Alpine White exterior paint, white plastic trim and door panels, white hood, white seat trim, black carpet, Zandvoort 5.5"x13" alloys
"Mister Moon" - Sapphire Blue Metallic exterior paint, Blue plastic trim and Mauritius blue door panels, Atoll blue hood, Mauritius blue seat trim, Mauritius blue carpet, Avus (coded Helios Blue) 6"x14" alloys
"Lady Charme" - Alpine White exterior paint, white plastic trim and blue CC door panels, blue CC hood, blue CC headlining and sunvisors, blue CC seat trim, Mauritius blue carpet, Avus (coded Alpine White) 6"x14" alloys, Gamma radio
'All White' and 'All Black' in 1986.
The Sportline and Rivage, 1991-92 were the run out production of the MK1 shape as Karmann changed to build the MK3 Cabriolet.
So are limited in numbers.
Sportlines came with Black BBS RA with painted silver lip and Recaro sport seats.
Top wise they were fitted with black headliner and black vynil top, Electro hydraulic set up was used.
They were more aesthetic (sporty) looking than the Rivage finished in Red or black but lacked the refinery of the Rivage, specs.
The Rivage was produced in either Classic Green pearl or Classic blue Peal paint finshes.
The Blue version came with either a Mauritus blue interior, black headliner and blue carpet, late versions have a grey diagonal stripe and black carpet.
Some Blue versions had Beige leather seats and beige carpet, but these were optional extras.
The Green versions were all fitted with Beige Leather interior and Carpet.
All Rivages had the extra advantage of heated seats and power windows over the Sportline.
The Heated seats do extend the seasonal use of the cabriolet during autumn.
There is always debate as to what model is the best between the 2.
Some people like the Recaro interior of the Sportline, however as these are now getting on, it’s impossible to find the material to repair and 2nd hand sets of interiors command the price tags of £500-£600.
The advantage of the leather in the Rivage is that it can be repaired and replaced much easier, as leather is more readily available.
Various colour options were available with the Quartette models.
The Clipper was designated as the Base model for the Cabriolet, therefore there is no such thing as "Clipper GTI".
All production of the Cabby was undertaken by Karmann inc those destined for the USA markets and not manufactured at the Westmoreland Plant as some people have stated historically.
