VW Cabriolet – A Volkswagen Classic Among Convertibles

When you say “VW Cabriolet,” most car enthusiasts immediately picture the iconic Golf with a soft top – personally, I see the first-generation Golf, and more recently, the T-Roc. But the Volkswagen Cabrio isn’t just about the Golf – it’s an entire lineup of stylish cars that combine practicality with the freedom of open-top driving.

From the Beetle to the Golf

Volkswagen’s cabriolet story began way back in the 1940s with the Beetle Cabriolet built by Karmann. It quickly became a symbol of style and freedom in post-war Europe and the USA.

Then came the Golf Cabriolet, launched in 1979. With its signature roll bar (some lovingly called it a “shopping basket”), it became one of the most popular convertibles of the ’80s and ’90s. Today, the Mk1, Mk3, and Mk4 are youngtimers often chosen by classic car fans looking for an affordable open-top experience.

Or Maybe the Eos or T-Roc?

Let’s not forget the Volkswagen Eos, a modern coupe-cabriolet with a hardtop folding roof – a perfect balance between comfort and fun. Today, the T-Roc Cabriolet carries the torch for open-top Volkswagens. It’s a soft-top SUV with urban flair and growing popularity.

VW Cabriolet – Everyday Style and Prices

Beetle Cabriolet (Type 1, 1949-1980)

The ultimate Beetle icon – a hand-folded soft top with four full seats.
Prices: From €10,000 for a restoration project to €35,000+ for a collector’s gem. And it’s only getting more expensive…

New Beetle Cabriolet (9C/1Y, 2003-2010)

The first “retro” Beetle based on the Golf IV, with a semi-automatic roof.
Prices: Between €1,500–12,000, depending on year and condition.
Watch out for seals, fender rust, and roof actuator issues.

Beetle Cabriolet (A5, 2011-2019)

A more modern setup on the Golf VI platform, with an electric roof and better insulation.
Prices: From €7,000 to €20,000 (top R-Line versions with low mileage are the most expensive).
This one’s quick too – the most powerful version does 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

Golf Cabriolet Mk1 (Type 155, 1979-1993)

The “shopping basket” classic – iconic roll bar, manual soft top.
Prices: €3,000–15,000 (GTI and limited editions can go higher).

Golf Cabriolet Mk3 (Type 1E, 1993-2002)

The first Golf with an electric soft top.
Prices: €2,500–8,000.
Check for rust on the sills and wheel arches – prices of well-preserved examples have recently skyrocketed, making this a surprisingly interesting small-scale investment.

Golf Cabriolet Mk4 (Type 1E FL, 2002-2008)

Better rust protection and looks like a Mk4 – but under the skin, it’s still a Mk3. Inside, it’s basically the same as its predecessor.
Prices: €3,500–10,000.

Golf Cabriolet Mk6 (Type 51, 2011-2016)

No roll bar, fully electric roof folding under a cover, modern TSI/TDI engines.
Prices: €7,000–16,000.
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful VW cabriolet ever made. It looks stunning both with the roof up and down.

Volkswagen Eos (Type 1F, 2006-2015)

Hard CSC roof (coupe-sunroof-cabrio) with a glass panel.
Prices: €3,000–15,000.
Check roof seals and water drains carefully – this roof system needs regular attention.

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet (A11, from 2020)

Currently, the only new Volkswagen with an open roof. Crossover design with a soft top that folds in just 9 seconds.
Prices: €18,000–35,000 (top R-Line DSG versions are the most expensive).
It’s a bit controversial in the cabrio world, but honestly – I’m starting to really like it.

Quick Summary

• The cheapest ticket to the VW Cabriolet world? The Golf Mk3 – around €2,500–3,000.
• Best balance between age and price? The Golf Mk6 or the Eos – around €9,000–12,000, but you need to be careful when choosing engines.
• Modern style and manufacturer’s warranty? The T-Roc Cabriolet from €18,000.
• Design icon? The Beetle Cabriolet A5 – around €11,000–18,000. The last generation really looks sharp.

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