A Square Goal Like You've Never Seen Before

You, as a car enthusiast, may have found yourself exploring vehicle ads in search of rarities, right? This hobby brings to light true treasures and allows us to rediscover incredible stories about vehicles that marked eras. Today, we are going to talk about one of these relics that has recently gained the spotlight on social media: the Volkswagen Gol 1982 Cabriolet, transformed by the famous Dacon. This unique example appeared on the @tragaoguincho profile on Instagram, showing off its roofless structure and beautiful blue paintwork. But this car is much more than a regular Gol – it is a true testament to the creativity and boldness of the 1980s!

The History of Dacon and the VW Gol Cabriolet

Dacon, for those who don't know, was an iconic company in the 70s and 80s, responsible for distributing Volkswagen vehicles and known for its bold modifications to the brand's cars. It was common for them to transform mass-production vehicles into something exclusive and innovative. This was the case with this Gol Cabriolet, which, despite being a 1982 Gol, underwent so many adaptations that it became almost a separate car. At the time, having a convertible Gol was something rare, and this was possible thanks to Dacon's boldness.

The VW Gol Cabriolet featured a series of aesthetic and mechanical modifications. Originally, the Gol Cabriolet had a front end inspired by the Passat TS, with four round headlights, which were on a black grid. This detail was complemented by rectangular fog lights, positioned just below the chromed iron bumpers. These elements gave the vehicle an aggressive and unique personality.

How the Conversion to a Cabriolet Was Done

One of the biggest challenges of transforming a closed-body car into a convertible is ensuring the structural rigidity of the vehicle. When removing the roof, it is necessary to reinforce the structure to avoid twisting that could compromise drivability and safety. Dacon solved this with a cage-like structure, which ran below the doors and up the B-pillar, joining at the top, similar to the style Targa. This modification was detailed in a report in Quatro Rodas magazine in August 1981.

At the rear, the Gol Cabriolet had a cutout in the trunk lid, which differed from the conventional hatchback version. This adaptation not only reinforced the structure, but also gave it a touch of style. sporty and elegant to the car, reminiscent of luxury European car designs.

The Gol Cabriolet's Engine

O engine is always an important part of any car's history. In the case of Dacon's Gol Cabriolet, the company realized that the factory-installed 1.3 air-cooled boxer engine was not enough for a car with such a bold profile. After all, a convertible model needs an engine that does justice to its aesthetics. Therefore, Dacon chose to use the water-cooled 1.6 BS engine from the Passat TS, which delivered much higher power than the 50 horsepower from the original 1.3 engine.

With the new engine, the Gol Cabriolet offered around 96 hp at 6,100 rpm and a torque of 13.2 kgfm at 3,600 rpm, thanks to a double body carburetor. Even keeping the four-speed manual transmission of the original Gol, this configuration guaranteed a sporty and exciting driving experience, something that the factory 1.3 model could never provide.

The Gol Cabriolet Found Today

More than forty years later, a Dacon Gol Cabriolet was found for sale. However, this specific model underwent a series of modifications that transformed it even further. This unit received updates that recall the look of the last-generation Gol, which began in 1991. The model now has the front popularly known as “little chinese girl”, with more rectangular headlights and a wraparound grille.

At the rear, the car also received the lanterns of the last phase Gol, giving a modern touch to the look. The original instrument panel, which was the same as the Passat, was replaced by the famous satellite panel. And to top it off, the interior has been completely revamped, with new Recaro seats in grey and blue, features that recall the Gol GTI.

Increased Power with the AP 1.8 Engine

To go with the updated look, the engine has also received a makeover. The old 1.6 from the Passat TS has been replaced by the engine 1.8 AP1800S alcohol, one of Volkswagen's most famous engines in Brazil. This engine, which offered 99 hp at 5,600 rpm and a torque of 14.9 kgfm at 3,600 rpm, was a big upgrade compared to the 1.6 of the time.

Additionally, the transmission system has been updated to a five-speed manual gearbox, providing a more dynamic and fun drive. For classic car lovers, these modifications may seem bold, but they have transformed the Gol Cabriolet into a much more powerful and modern machine.

A High Price for a Modernized Classic

Currently, this 1982 Gol Cabriolet unit is for sale for R$ 100,000. For some, this may seem like a high price, but it is important to consider the historical context and the work involved in all the modifications made. This Gol is not just an old vehicle, but a piece that represents the history of customization in Brazil and the creativity of the workshops of the time.

Is it worth investing in a Gol Cabriolet?

If you are a classic car enthusiast and like exclusivity, this VW Gol Cabriolet It is an interesting option. It carries the history of Dacon and the Brazilian automotive market of the 80s, in addition to having been updated to meet the tastes and needs of today. But the decision to invest R$ 100,000 in a car like this will depend on how important it is for you to have a piece of Brazilian automotive history in your garage.

Furthermore, the Gol Cabriolet offers a unique driving experience. Imagine yourself behind the wheel of this classic convertible, enjoying a sunny day and receiving admiring glances wherever you go. This is the kind of car that attracts attention not only for its style, but also for what it represents.

Final considerations

That Volkswagen Gol Cabriolet 1982 transformed by Dacon is more than just an old car. It is a witness of an era when automotive customization in Brazil was beginning to gain momentum, with companies like Dacon standing out for their innovation and creativity. With its modern modifications, such as the AP 1.8 engine and updated look, it becomes a true collector's piece.

So, if you are thinking of investing in a car to enjoy the summer and make a statement on the streets, this Gol Cabriolet could be an excellent choice. After all, it is not just a vehicle, but a story on wheels, which represents the creative and passionate spirit of the 80s.

So, would you buy this Gol Cabriolet to call your own?