There's gonna be head scratching and disagreements on this one!!
I thought (sorry if this is being picky) Karmann were the people that designed the soft top shape (no body kit) from the MKI hard top. The body kitted versions are generally known as "Clipper" because that's who made the kit for VW. Karmann Clipper is just a name that's developed from having a Clipper body kit on a Karmann designed body, built by VW.
However as far as answering the original Q, I have an 83Y Golf GLi which was fitted with the 1.6GTi 5sp engine/gearbox. I also know someone who has the 1.5carb. Not that I've answered the original Q at all just added a little more to the confusion.
However (again) if it's a "top of the pile" MkI golf you're after I think it's probably the last ones sold in the USA as they came with everything; PAS, cruise control, electric seats, electric bloody everything (There was a guy selling one a few months ago in Poole, Dorset, what a car).
Michael.