What’s the distinction between a usually vital mannequin for a sure model and a mannequin that redefines the corporate’s future? An straightforward rationalization could possibly be this – the Passat is certainly one of Volkswagen’s most vital fashions on a world scale however the Golf is a real icon that has its personal place within the historical past of the complete automotive business. It marked a revolutionary shift for the Wolfsburg-based model, changing the legendary Beetle and setting the stage for a brand new period of compact vehicles. 

Next yr, the Golf nameplate turns 50 and VW will current historic Golf fashions from its assortment on quite a few events. But earlier than we enter the celebrations for the mannequin’s anniversary, let’s discuss why it was so particular.

Welcome to Timeless European Treasures, our weekly look again at vehicles from the European market that outlined a motoring technology.

Why Do We Love It?

Undoubtedly, the Golf continues to be remembered as being a breakthrough mannequin not just for Volkswagen however for the complete business. As a alternative for the beloved Beetle, it represented a departure from custom and signaled Volkswagen’s transition from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines – a groundbreaking shift that outlined a brand new period for the model.

It was greater than only a well-liked automotive, although. For many individuals from all around the globe, this was the primary automotive they ever purchased model new. It was a really dependable automotive that might simply do the job of a every day driver and was very straightforward to keep up. On high of that, it was very frugal making it the right alternative for younger households.

Lest we overlook concerning the Golf GTI. One of the new hatch pioneers, it was launched in 1976 and rapidly grew to become well-liked with its extra highly effective engine, bigger tires, and sportier design tweaks. The whole manufacturing of the GTI model far exceeded VW’s expectations, reaching greater than 462,000 models in the course of the automobile’s lifecycle. It continues to be thought to be the ancestor of all trendy sizzling hatches however in keeping with some, that’s debatable since fashions such because the 1967 Simca 1100 Ti and the 1971 Autobianchi A112 Abarth arrived earlier.