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.