Two rare models of the Volkswagen Gol, one from 1988 and a special Vintage edition from 2011, are being valued at a price that exceeds that of compact and medium-sized SUVs brand new. Maintained in impeccable condition, with odometers showing almost zero kilometers, these vehicles are part of the collection of former senator Raimundo Lira and were acquired for a significant amount, over R$200,000, on August 11, 2026. The history of these automobiles highlights the growing interest and appreciation in the market for collectors of vintage cars.
The rise in value of classic goals on the market
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Over its 44 years of existence, the Volkswagen Gol has established itself as one of the most popular vehicles among Brazilian workers. Despite this, the hatch also had versions with a unique appeal, which today are intensely sought after by collectors. The value of these rarities can, in many cases, exceed that of new SUVs available on the current market.
Older units, especially the iconic Gol Square, have become true museum pieces. Sports versions such as GTI and GTS are the most coveted, with well-preserved examples reaching prices above R$500,000. However, even traditional versions, such as the models in the Lira collection, have increased in value, surpassing the price of utilities such as:
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- Volkswagen T-Cross
- Jeep Renegade
- Hyundai Creta
The search and acquisition of Gol 1988 by the former senator
Former senator Raimundo Lira, from Campina Grande, Paraíba, is a car enthusiast and collector with several new models in his garage, including a Fiat 147 and a Volkswagen Beetle. He had the desire to own a 1988 Gol CL 1.6 AP powered by ethanol, a model that marked an important part of his life. In 2026, he found the perfect example in São Paulo, with the odometer showing just 63 original kilometers.
Faced with the unique opportunity, Lira did not hesitate to invest more than R$200,000 to take the vehicle to the Northeast. The amount paid alone is enough to purchase several compact SUVs and even some mid-sized models, highlighting Gol’s status as a collector’s item. The acquisition was a tribute to driver Reginaldo, now deceased, who worked for the former senator when he owned the Camdesa dealership.
Specifications and conservation status of the 1980s Gol
The former senator’s 1988 Volkswagen Gol CL 1.6 AP presents a remarkable level of conservation. Both the interior and exterior of the vehicle maintain the original standard and an impeccable appearance, despite the years. The simple panel, with few controls, reflects the functional proposal of the time.
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The 1.6 AP ethanol engine offered 90 horsepower and 13.5 kgfm of torque, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. In terms of suspension, the model had an independent McPherson strut front and a torsion beam rear. Its consumption was 7.6 km/l in the city and 11.9 km/l on the highway, figures considered relevant for the technology of that period.
The exclusivity of Gol Vintage 2011 in the collection
In addition to the Gol 1988, Lira’s collection houses another very rare example: the Gol Vintage 2011. This special version, although less known to the general public, is an object of desire among collectors. Conceived as a concept in 2010 to celebrate the hatch’s 30th anniversary, the Vintage series was produced in a limited edition of just 30 units in 2011.
Each Gol Vintage unit has an exclusive number on the panel, symbolizing a year of manufacture of the model. Gol Vintage 10, owned by the former senator, is considered the only one kept in 0 km condition, with only 22 kilometers driven, restricted to internal movements and transport. Acquired from another collector in Campinas, São Paulo, the vehicle has a high market value. Lira, however, shows no intention of selling it, reinforcing its character as a collector’s item.
Differences and characteristics of the Gol Vintage series
The Gol Vintage 2011 stands out for a series of exclusive features. Its two-color paintwork, in black and white, was a striking difference, as were the wheels, side stripes and the name “Vintage” present in several parts of the car. The interior finish also followed the black and white color scheme. A curiosity about this version is that it was accompanied by a specially developed Tagima guitar, which could be connected to the vehicle’s sound system through a special input with pre-amplification.
Under the hood, the model was equipped with the EA111 1.6 flex engine, which delivered up to 104 hp of power and 15.6 kgfm of torque at 2,500 rpm when fueled with ethanol. The transmission was a five-speed manual, known for its precise engagement. Regarding consumption, it recorded 7.3 km/l in the city and 9.4 km/l on the highway with ethanol, rising to 10.7 km/l and 13.7 km/l, respectively, with gasoline.