Noble Sisters: Volkswagen Golf

In 2024, the Golf—the best-selling Volkswagen of all time with over 37 million units across its eight generations—celebrates 50 years since the first model was produced in Wolfsburg on March 29, 1974. Initially envisioned to replace the iconic Beetle, the Golf began its conceptual journey in the late 1960s with a prototype, the EA266. Created by a team of Porsche engineers under Ferdinand Piech, this prototype featured a 1.6-liter, water-cooled, four-cylinder engine positioned under the rear seat.

Developing a successor to the Beetle wasn’t easy. Several prototypes, like the EA266 with a rear-mounted air-cooled boxer engine, were tested.

This layout quickly proved impractical—it complicated repairs and overheated the cabin. By 1971, after producing around 50 units for testing, Volkswagen’s new CEO, Rudolf Leiding, deemed it too costly and complex to proceed, scrapping the project. Engineers then worked on another prototype, the EA276, featuring a hatchback design, front-mounted air-cooled engine from the Beetle, and front-wheel drive. But the design fell short. Volkswagen’s management turned to Gerhard R. Gumpert, its Italian distributor, for advice on a designer.

Development continued with the EA276 prototype, pictured here beside the final version of the Golf, which debuted in 1974.

At the 1969 Turin Auto Show, Gumpert—guided by journalists—identified six standout cars, four of which were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The decision was made to entrust Giugiaro with the Golf’s design, which became an instant success: between 1974 and 1983, over six million units were sold.

Giorgetto Giugiaro, designer of the Volkswagen Golf, poses beside the car that sold over six million units in less than ten years.

A year after the Golf’s official unveiling, the sporty GTE concept appeared at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring unique styling elements like a red grille outline, an enhanced front splitter, and black detailing. Inside, it included a three-spoke sport steering wheel, plaid fabric seats, and a gear knob shaped like a golf ball. The 1.6-liter engine delivered 110 horsepower with a four-speed transmission, maintaining front-wheel drive. Public response was enthusiastic, prompting Volkswagen to greenlight production as the GTI, standing for “Grand Tourer Injection”.

The Golf GTI concept debuted at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show, gaining public acclaim and prompting Volkswagen to start production.

With the GTI, Volkswagen pioneered a new concept: a small, luxury performance car that became a status symbol. The dark, metallic colors also enhanced its appeal. By the end of 1975, orders exceeded 50,000. Over its eight generations, the GTI became a “brand within a brand”, selling over two million units. Today, the first and second generations are prized by collectors, valued between €15,000 and €40,000 for the former and €8,000 to €15,000 for the latter—ideal for entering the classic car world with confidence.

By late 1975, orders for the new GTI “Grand Tourer Injection” exceeded 50,000.