Unfortunately, the colorful history of Volkswagen convertibles continues today with only one model, which will probably end the long-standing tradition in a few years simply because a rare driver wants to drive a Volkswagen convertible today. Despite this gloomy thought, let’s take a look at the most memorable convertibles of this German brand, created in almost more than 80 years of operation.
Volkswagen V2 Cabriolet
This is the starting point. The car that started the impressive era of Volkswagen convertibles.
It is worth noting that this was not a model ready for serial production. This is a prototype created by Ferdinand Porsche and the engineers who helped him, where engineering solutions were tested.
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
- Year of production – 1949-1980
After many different experimental prototypes, the ideas used in the V2 Cabriolet were realized in the legendary Volkswagen project.
Introduced in 1949, the charmingly shaped Beetle remained in series production for decades, but the convertible’s life ended much earlier – in 1980. Then Volkswagen decided that its place should be taken by a much more modern model that better meets the needs of the drivers of that time.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Cabriolet
- Year of production – 1957-1974
The basic and essential mission of the Karmann version was very basic. Volkswagen is giving engineers a familiar platform for a much more stylish and beautiful version of the Beetle.
Karmann specialists were not only responsible for the appearance of this convertible, but also for its production. All these convertibles were assembled at the factory in the city of Osnabrück.
Volkswagen Golf I Cabriolet (Typ 155)
- Year of production – 1979-1993
The first-generation Golf Cabriolet can safely make its way to the automotive hall of fame. However, a rare car, with minimal changes, can remain in series production for so long.
Oddly enough, the first generation of the Golf cabriolet remained in serial production not because Volkswagen was simply too lazy to create a suitable shift for it.
Engineers simply took too long to develop a shift designed on the basis of the second generation Golf, that the company’s management simply decided that the engineers should better concentrate on other projects.
Volkswagen Golf III Cabriolet
The second generation of the Golf Cabriolet was molded from much newer clay. Introduced in late 1993, the model used components from the third-generation Golf, but in many ways this successor was disappointing.
By decision of the Volkswagen management, the second generation of the Golf cabriolet did not have dynamic versions of the GLI or Sportline, and the range of engines included only four-cylinder units.
On the other hand, more sophisticated petrol heads were able to easily install a VR6 unit in this model, which gave the convertible a completely different tone.
Volkswagen Eos
- Year of production – 2006-2016
It was probably the most technically complex Volkswagen convertible in the entire history of the company.
Inspired by the success of the Mercedes-Benz SLK and the Peugeot 206 CC, Volkswagen also looked to create a convertible with a metal folding roof.
Eos also stood out in that Volkswagen aimed to position it in a more expensive price segment. As a result of this decision, the Eos was not as popular as expected, but despite this, Volkswagen gave a stylish convertible that could turn the wheels of both a weak 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a very capable 6-cylinder unit.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet (Type 5K)
- Year of production – 2011-2016
This convertible wasn’t memorable for the best of reasons. You see, at first glance it looked like it was just a convertible version of the Golf GTI, but in reality, it was just a poor copy of the Audi A3 convertible, which had nothing to do with the much more dynamic Golf GTI.
Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet
- Year of production – 2013-2015
Having learned from its mistakes, the sixth-generation Golf-based model aimed to pamper Volkswagen’s most loyal cabriolet fans with the Golf R Cabriolet.
Like the Golf R hatchback, the cabriolet had a powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine, a precise twin-clutch gearbox and a clever front differential to counteract any front-wheel understeer.
Volkswagen Beetle Dune Convertible
- Year of production – 2016-2018
Volkswagen had already created a Beetle convertible before, but the specialists who worked at the United States division wanted to create a new modification that could more confidently drive on a gravel road or simply where there is no asphalt.
Despite the off-road appearance, Volkswagen has not made very big changes. The “Dune” version was a little wider, the ground clearance was a little higher, but this was enough to convince the young generation of American drivers, who were impressed by this modification.
Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
- Year of production – 2018-present
The only Volkswagen currently in production isn’t a traditional convertible. It is a tall, roomy and clumsy convertible that offers the benefits of a traditional crossover. And it seems that Europeans like this convertible recipe.
In 2023, Volkswagen sold more T-Roc convertibles than BMW, Fiat or Mazda. Indeed, the T-Roc only managed to land the adorable Mini convertible.
