Volkswagen
(1938 - today)
Brand:
Volkswagen (also known as VW)
Country:
Germany
1934 First exposé on the construction of the German Volkswagen by Ferdinand Porsche. Construction of the first prototypes and test drives by Porsche. 1937 Foundation of the ‘Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Volkswagens’ GeZuVor. Laying of the foundation stone of the factory near Fallersleben in 1938. Designation as ‘Kraft durch Freude Wagen’, KdF-Wagen. 1940 Start of production of the Kübelwagen. 1940-1945 Production of armaments, Kübelwagen and Schwimmwagen and approx. 650 VW saloons. From the end of 1945, production of the Type 11 (Beetle) begins under British management. Renaming of the site to Wolfsburg. 1948 Appointment of civilian management with VW Director Dr Heinrich Nordhoff. VW exports to Holland and Belgium from 1947 and to Switzerland from 1948. 1949 Handover of the plant to the federal state of Lower Saxony. Export model and cabriolet (Karmann and Hebmüller). 1950 Start of VW Type 2 Transporter production. 1954 Establishment of VW's own sales organisation in the USA. 1955 Debut of VW Karmann-Ghia and celebration of one million Beetles. 1956 Opening of a Transporter plant in Hanover. 1961 Presentation of VW Type 3, VW 1500. 1964 Opening of an assembly plant in Puebla Mexico. 1964 Takeover of Auto Union from Daimler-Benz. Re-introduction of the Audi brand in 1966. 1969 Takeover of NSU. 1972 VW Beetle becomes the most-built car in the world ahead of the Ford T. Launch of the VW Golf in 1974, which replaces the Beetle as the bestseller. 1998 Takeover of Bentley. 1999 Presentation of the Lupo 3 litre and 2001 of the VW Phaethon with W12 engine. In 2008, Porsche Holding attempted to acquire a majority stake in Volkswagen. After failure, VW takes over the car manufacturer Porsche AG in 2009. 2017 Presentation of an electrification programme for the vehicle fleet in the wake of the diesel scandal. Debut of the ID family in 2019.
Selected Volkswagen model series
Select era for vehicles from Volkswagen...
All 577 Volkswagen models
...
Car articles about Volkswagen by year
In 1962, five million VW Beetles had already been sold, and nobody could have guessed that this figure would one day reach 20 million. But even then, people wondered about the long-lasting success of the model and wanted to know how the latest examples from 1962 differed from the original model from 1939 or the post-war version from 1952. The magazine 'hobby' brought the three together for comparison. This article reproduces the original wording of the test report from back then and shows the three generations of Beetle in many historical pictures and the original model even in its original sales brochure.
In 1948, less than 100,000 Volkswagens had been produced; exports had only just begun. But the car was already proving to be quite mature. Nevertheless, hardly anyone would have bet that 21 million VW Beetles would one day be produced. And probably not even those lucky ones who were able to buy a new Volkswagen back then would have believed it. This driving report is about a very early VW Type 11 from 1948 and shows it in current and historical pictures, supplemented by sales literature and operating instructions.
The Hebmüller company was once one of the hottest companies in German coachbuilding, but today it is known at best as the builder of the two-seater VW Beetle convertible, although many other bodies were produced in the workshops in Barmen and Wülfrath, including for Opel, Ford, Humber and DKW. This report looks back on the history of Hebmüller and shows some of the showpieces of their work in pictures.
For connoisseurs and friends of the unforgotten post-war Volkswagen that went down in history as the "VW Beetle", one of the various special versions has an extra high status: the Hebmüller Cabriolet. This vehicle report tells the story of the 1949 VW Cabriolet with historical pictures and interesting facts.
In 1954, the VW Beetle was still selling relatively poorly in the USA, albeit with rising sales figures. The American car tester Wilbur Shaw tried to find out whether the Beetle had a chance in America and came to a negative assessment despite its clear qualities. He was wrong, because in the following years the Beetle became the most successful imported car in the USA, so that even the American manufacturers, who were used to success, had to react. This article reproduces the original wording of the 1954 test and provides an interesting look back at the beginnings of the Beetle in the USA.
Long before the VW Karmann-Ghia was created, the Beutler brothers had already built an elegant coupé and a pretty convertible based on the VW, which probably only failed to achieve great success because of the high price. Few cars were built and even fewer have survived. One was recently restored and now shines in new splendor. This vehicle report portrays a Beutler VW Coupé from 1958 and shows it in many photographs.
In 1959, the range of sports cars on offer was still quite limited. The magazine 'hobby' counted around 30 models and the comparison fitted onto just a few magazine pages. The author Werner Oswald saw the reason for the comparatively small number of models on offer in the transition to self-supporting bodies and the need for rationalization. This report reproduces the original wording of the article at the time and shows the vehicles mentioned in over 170 archive photos as well as in many original sales brochures
At some point, everyone has had an encounter with the Volkswagen Bus. Years later, this often awakens the desire to become the owner of the Wolfsburg all-rounder. But which classic VW Bus suits me? A self-experiment with the first three model series reveals the answer.
Although it remained virtually unchanged on the outside, VW continued to develop the Beetle under its high-quality, thick bodywork. For the 1961 model year, the successful model was given a new engine with more displacement and more power with lower fuel consumption. The tester of the "Automobil Illustrierte" magazine was completely enthusiastic about the new 1200cc boxer. This article reproduces the wording of a test report from 1961 and shows the revised VW in historical photos.
Volkswagen wanted to follow up the success of the small Karmann-Ghia in 1961 with a second one in the form of the Type 34. The "big" Karmann-Ghia was based on the Volkswagen 1500 and seemed to have a great career ahead of it in 1961. The magazine "hobby" tested an early example and was very impressed by the capabilities of the new coupé. This report summarizes the original wording of the test at the time and is additionally illustrated with contemporary pictures, a sales brochure and the colour range of the time.
The VW 1200 was thoroughly revised in 1961. Many details had been improved without calling the basic concept into question. Many of the improvements were commented on favorably by the testers. At the same time, however, shortcomings were also pointed out. The conclusion of the test: If you want maximum reliability and operational safety and need a car that is agile and adequately powerful in traffic, but are prepared to accept the inherent disadvantages of the VW, then even today (1961) you can't make a better choice.
Sports cars and mass-produced vehicles are at the top of the classic car hit parade in Switzerland. What they have in common is driving pleasure and individual looks. Led by the Volkswagen Beetle, this article briefly describes and shows pictures of the ten most popular classic classic cars in Switzerland.
In the summer of 1960, the magazine 'hobby' was given the opportunity to test the 1961 Beetle. Although many improvements were found, there was great disappointment at the lack of a new look. Today we know that this strategy was probably a wise one and are delighted with the original Beetle. This report presents the original wording of the test at the time, but in particular shows an extensive photo gallery that illustrates the constant improvements made to the successful Wolfsburg model between 1938 and 1980, supplemented by an extremely rare sales brochure from the 1950s.
Everyone knows it, almost everyone has driven it or has a friend who did. The VW Beetle was the most common car on our roads in the sixties and seventies. Today, the Beetle is a classic car and is rarely seen in everyday life. As a classic, it is a pleasant companion and, if its weaknesses are forgiven, it is a lot of fun to drive without incurring major costs. This report goes briefly into the history, but in particular shows an example from 1961 in detail and describes the emotions that arise when driving such a classic. An extremely rich selection of pictures from yesterday and today, many original brochures and even the running noise provide a comprehensive overall impression.
Even before the official presentation of the VW 1500, the magazine "hobby" was given the opportunity to put the new Wolfsburg through its paces. This took the form of a 1,000 km family outing. From today's perspective, it is not only the test results that are interesting, but also the descriptions of the road conditions at the time. The VW mastered all the ordeals with flying colors. This report reproduces the original text, supplemented by a rich selection of contemporary archive photos of the large VW in saloon, estate and convertible versions.
Motorhomes have always been, and still are, compromises on wheels. The two core aspects, the "camper" and the "motorhome", are naturally difficult to combine. Of course, this also applies to this Westfalia camper, which is based on a VW T1 bus. There is not much space to live in, but at least that little bit is always on board. The VW technology does its job reliably, but you can hardly reach high speeds. The pros and cons of the "Dormobil" are particularly closely linked. This article reproduces an original driving report from 1962 and shows the motorhome in historical photos.
Driving over mountain passes was still a real adventure in the 1960s and a dreaded ordeal for many a vehicle. No wonder the 'hobby' makers came up with the idea of combining the ascent of the Col de la Bonette with a car test. The VW 1500 Variant was put through its paces. This article reproduces the original wording of the test and adventure report of the time and supplements the magazine illustrations with factory photos from the period.
Despite increasingly strong competition, the Beetle was still the most successful car in the small mid-size class at the beginning of the sixties, yet unpretentious and frugal. Thanks to a series of barely visible improvements in driving characteristics, it also met higher demands from 1962 onwards. With its smooth 34 hp engine, the VW 1200 was an economical and sufficiently fast means of transportation. This article reproduces the test report from the 1962 Motor-Rundschau.
At the end of 1962, the magazine 'hobby' carried out a major comparative test with eleven saloons from Germany, France, England and Italy. In a tough competition, hot-blooded family sports cars had to be compared with utility saloons designed for comfort. The fact that a German representative won was not a matter of course, as places 2 to 4 went to "foreign countries". This article reproduces the original wording of the report at the time and shows all eleven sedans compared in many archive photos.
Estate cars were already interesting in 1962! In a very detailed test report, the new VW 1500 Variant with all its technology was put through its paces. The report was completed by many individual observations and operating cost calculations. This article reproduces the original wording of the Motor-Rundschau test report of the time, supplemented by many contemporary pictures.
The VW 1200 Standard was, so to speak, the epitome of the everyday car. Although it lagged behind its competitors and even its brothers in terms of comfort and performance, it scored points with its simple but robust technology and very easy maintenance. This article reproduces the original wording of a test from 1963 and shows the Beetle from back then (mostly as a De Luxe, however) in many historical pictures.
DKW vs. Fiat vs. VW - this is the title of the third hobby super test. The third edition of this popular test series chases the aforementioned vehicles with the maximum permissible load weight over a total of 25 mountain passes. Of course, crazy experiments, as they can only come from the hobby testers, are not missing here either... A subsequent dissection of the vehicles and a comprehensive evaluation are of course also included.
The predominant car on the roads of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in the early 1960s was the Volkswagen Beetle. Over the years, the Wolfsburg-based company had perfected it and made it better and more reliable step by step. However, a circle of competitors formed around Wolfsburg that were superior to the Beetle in terms of comfort, space, driving performance and economy ... and still lost out in the local market. This report characterizes the generation of thousands using the examples of the Austin Mini Cooper, DKW F12, Fiat 850, Ford Anglia, Morris 1100, Opel Kadett, Panhard PL17, Renault R8 and Simca 1000. The article is illustrated with over 120 archive photos and over a dozen original sales brochures.
In 1963, Volkswagen felt compelled to improve its range of mid-range cars. Two years earlier, the 1500 had been added to the range, a simple car that was intended to be a step above the Beetle. However, the appeal and price were not quite congruent and the competition was not sleeping either, so the 1500 was spiced up. It was given an "S", chrome, a second downdraft carburetor and 9 extra horsepower, but was still only able to shed the image of the somewhat staid everyday car to a limited extent. Perhaps it was just a little too well thought out to arouse real emotions among buyers... The original test report on the VW 1500 S from back then is accompanied by historical images.
hobby tester Eugen K. Schwarz got to the bottom of the 'S' on the rear of the big VW in 1963 and drove the normal VW 1500 and its more sophisticated brother, the VW 1500 S, on the same route and under the same conditions. In this report, he describes the results he came to. He also lets a few everyday drivers get behind the wheel and have their say. This article reproduces the original wording of the test report and shows the mid-range Volkswagen in historical pictures.
What does the "S" actually stand for? The Americans make it easier for themselves and use two of them: "SS" for "Super Sport". However, anyone expecting "Sport" from the 1500 S was bitterly disappointed. Instead, it was "Super", because it was superior to the normal 1500 in every respect, as this historical test report shows.
Volkswagen built the VW Beetle (also known as the Type 11 or 1200) for many decades. Accordingly, the marketing people at Volkswagen had to come up with some ideas to present the Beetle as attractively as possible. This picture story shows excerpts from a sales brochure from 1964, which explains why the VW Beetle is so popular.
In November 1964, the previous standard Beetle became the VW 1200 A. Since then, even the economy model could do without the double clutch and intermediate throttle, as the fully synchronized gearbox of the export model was now also installed here as standard. The reduced equipment remained unchanged, as did the 30 hp engine. The weaker engine in particular, in combination with the new transmission, became a point of criticism, as this historical test report explains.
With the new 40 hp engine, the Beetle caught up with the modern small car competition of the sixties, at least in terms of performance. Together with its outstanding workmanship and proverbial reliability, it was able to hold its own against the competition despite its outdated shape and poor use of space. This historical test report is dedicated to the improved VW for the 1966 model year.
"The box looks like a bathtub on wheels and lies like a cow," said people at the time when the first formcars arrived in Europe from the USA in 1965. But the entry-level racing series with the Beetle-based formula cars was a success and produced many great racing drivers. In this article, Rainer Braun, who himself raced successfully in Formula Vee, looks back on the early days with text and pictures in cheerful reminiscences. An early formcar, which has survived in its original condition, illustrates this exciting episode in motor racing. And, of course, the sound of the engine is not missing.
With the 1600 TL, Volkswagen tried to make the very conservative Type 3 more fashionable and spacious in 1965. In popular parlance, however, the chic "touring saloon" quickly became the "sad solution", as underneath the sleek hatchback shell was basically still a cruciform Beetle. However, this historical test report shows that this was by no means a bad thing. The 1600 TL was also well thought-out and, above all, excellently finished in the VW style - but not overly fast either.
Compared to the VW Beetle (Type 1), the VW Type 3 is considered a failure, although almost 2.6 million units sold do not indicate this. However, too many compromises and stronger competition made life difficult for it as a mid-range car, even though many things were improved in 13 years of production. Today, a VW 1500 S in its original paint finish and first ownership is rarer than many a Ferrari sports car. This report portrays a saloon from 1965 and tells the story of the Type 3 from start to finish.
A low-cost entry into racing was the order of the day in the sixties in favor of promoting young talent. When the first single-seaters with VW technology arrived in Europe from the USA, not only did the young drivers recognize their opportunity, but resourceful racing car manufacturers also seized the opportunity to sell large numbers of simple Formula Vee vehicles, two of whom were Heinz Fuchs and Jürg Dubler. What do these 375 kg racing cars offer and how big is the difference to the VW Beetle, which provided the technology? These questions are answered in this extensively illustrated driving report.
If the Volkswagen people in 1947 had suspected what a hit their Dutch importer Ben Pon was proposing to build, they would probably have hurried a little more with the development of the VW Transporter. But it was already on sale in 1950 and became a successful model, without which even the German economic miracle might have looked different. And by the end of the 1960s at the latest, the VW Type 2 T1 had become a cult model, which today is the only commercial vehicle that regularly makes it to the biggest classic car auctions. This driving report tells the story of the first "Bulli" and shows it in many pictures.
Year after year, the Wolfsburg-based company perfected its Beetle. But in 1965, the performance of the Volkswagen was increased by 18 percent. And this was just one of 22 improvements made to the tried-and-tested everyday car. No wonder the updated Beetle attracted a lot of interest at the time. And to this day, it has blossomed into a popular and sociable classic car. This driving report is dedicated to the VW 1300, which was built between 1965 and 1967. It describes the history of the model, the reviews at the time and today's driving impressions. The report is illustrated with current and historical photographs. The sound samples are of course also included.
After years, the "big Karmann" finally emerges from automotive obscurity. What makes the angular relative of the successful Type 14 so interesting today? The answer to this question is explored in this vehicle report, enriched with many modern pictures as well as some historical ones.
There was hardly a year in which the VW Beetle made such great progress as in the fall of 1967. 1500 Automatic not only introduced a torque converter-assisted semi-automatic transmission, but also a modern rear axle. And the fact that the 1968 model also looked more contemporary and the Beetle as a whole was safer in many respects made the 1500 Automatic a minor sensation. This driving report tells the story of the first automatic Beetle and shows it in current and historical photographs. A sound sample is also included.
The VW Karmann-Ghia certainly went down in history as one of the most popular sports cars of the fifties and sixties. Americans in particular were crazy about the elegant Beetle brother, which was available as a coupé and convertible. This driving report, which is illustrated with new and historical images, brochures and a sound sample, explains why this was the case and whether this enthusiasm can still be understood today.
When the VW Beetle was revised once again in 1967, Volkswagen announced: "There have never been so many innovations". That sounds strange today, because what was meant were just 29 improvements to a vehicle that was definitely getting on in years. However, the fact that a 1968 Beetle was then practically gold-plated had nothing to do with these 29 innovations ... This vehicle report summarizes the improvements made to the Beetle from model year 1968 onwards and tells the story of a particularly beloved example from the States.
When you think back 50 years and think of Volkswagen, you see a Beetle. But in the 1960s, the car manufacturer from Wolfsburg also offered other models, including the 411, which was intended to attract new customers in the luxury class. However, the 411 was probably too close to the Beetle to be successful at the time, which makes it all the more appealing today, half a century later. This vehicle report describes the history of the Type 4 and shows it in current and historical pictures.
The VW Type 4 has become rare, especially in this country. There are less than 200 of them left on Germany's roads. Fortunately, there are enthusiasts like Hilmar Walde who remain loyal to the four-door Volkswagen. And have done so for 40 years. Thorsten Link visited the collector and fan in his workshop.
The VW K 70 was preceded by the reputation of being a miracle car - would it be able to live up to these expectations, the magazine 'hobby' asked itself in 1970. A pre-production vehicle was taken for a test drive and the conclusions were thoroughly positive, even if the new Volkswagen was by no means able to drive away from the now stronger competition. This vehicle report reproduces the original comments of the 'hobby' tester and is extensively illustrated with historical pictures and a sales brochure.
The sensation did not happen. It was planned for the 1969 Geneva Motor Show and the star was the NSU K 70, the new mid-range saloon from Neckarsulm. The premiere was canceled at short notice, not by NSU, but by Volkswagen, as VW had merged with NSU shortly before. But a year later, the K 70 was reborn as a Volkswagen and launched on the market. This report describes the history of the NSU/VW K 70 and shows an early example from 1970 in many pictures. The report is supplemented with archive photos and advertisements from the period.
When Volkswagen and Porsche presented their joint venture, the Volkswagen-Porsche, Porsche enthusiasts were disappointed. So were Volkswagen drivers, because the new car was too expensive for them. Nevertheless, the manufacturers' tills were ringing; the new car became - initially - a bestseller. Today, the 914 (914 1.7, 914 1.8, 914 2.0, 914/6) are popular classics and the fast variants are sought-after and competitive racing cars for historic racing events. This report tells the development and production history and is illustrated with many historical and current pictures, sales brochures, price lists and press information. The pictures of the special bodies by Heuliez, Frua, ItalDesign and Graf Goertz based on the 914 are particularly worth seeing.
In 1970, Giorgio Giugiaro designed a wedge-shaped alternative only around a year after the VW-Porsche 914/6 was presented, which used the same technology but took a completely different direction in terms of form. Designed for series production, this concept car made it onto the road and into everyday use, but remained a prototype that even fell victim to a bomb. This report describes the history and characteristics of the unique VW-Porsche 914/6 Tapiro and shows the car in many historical illustrations.
In August 1970, the VW 1302 appeared with a new chassis, longer wheelbase, larger trunk and more powerful engines. The progress made on the new Beetle was commendable, but problems and criticisms remained. This historical test sheds light on the peculiar car that wanted to break out of its Beetle shell but could not and was not allowed to.
Thanks to a third-party development, modernity had suddenly dawned at Volkswagen. The water-cooled and front-wheel-drive NSU stepchild made all of Wolfsburg's own developments look even more outdated than they already were in 1970. The VW K 70 was not only modern and spacious, but also impressed with handling characteristics that would otherwise have been expected from models from south of the Alps. Even as a pre-production vehicle, the ex-NSU knew how to impress, as this historical test report shows in detail.
In 1969, Volkswagen and Porsche presented the jointly marketed VW-Porsche 914, which was available with a four-cylinder 1.7-liter engine from VW and a two-liter six-cylinder boxer engine from Porsche. The Porsche version was around 60% more expensive, but also offered driving performance that the 911 could not have bettered. The test drivers were enthusiastic, but customers were reluctant to buy, so after three years a simpler replacement was made available. This driving report gets to the bottom of the Porsche 914-6, showing it in many current and historical pictures and in sales material.
At the beginning of the seventies, mid-range coupés experienced their heyday. Reason enough for Karmann to put numerous studies on wheels. The Italian top designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and his company ItalDesign were always involved. Three of the models that never made it into series production as VW, Audi and BMW are presented here and shown in many current and historical pictures.
For most people, the VW Beetle is the Volkswagen par excellence, in every sense of the word. A car for the people, a people's car. And the Beetle was indeed an above-average success. But before it, Ford's Model T had already passed the 15 million mark, and in modern times the Toyota Corolla, VW Golf and Ford's F-series even managed to reach over 30 million, although they were not the only people's cars to do so. This report looks back at some selected production successes in car history and shows them in 200 pictures. A feast for the eyes!
A good 50 years ago, this Porsche 914/4 became famous in California as a pickup, built by a sheet metal artist and drawn by an expert in his field. This report looks back and shows the unusual conversion in many pictures.
The VW-Porsche 914 was heralded as a sports car for the people and called the Volksporsche. Its image was not to be inferior to that of its "big brother", but a financially weaker group of buyers should also be able to afford it. The test at the time showed that this was not entirely successful. This article reproduces the original wording of the test report at the time and shows many pictures of the VW Porsche.
A bourgeois today, one might exclaim in view of the Volkswagen K70 and Audi 80 LS. But the two notchback saloons stand for much more than conservative mid-range fare. They heralded a new beginning for the Volkswagen Group at the start of the 1970s. But two competing car designs could not be a good idea for a group that was not bedded on roses. Only one could survive. This article compares the two mid-range saloons and shows them in many pictures.
Up until the 1970s, the VW Beetle was not only a popular car, but performance upgrades to its engine were also common. One person who was particularly colorful was Theo Decker, who helped the 1302 S achieve 135 hp and performance that is still striking today. We take a look back at the days of Beetle tuning and tell you what the cure felt like behind the wheel.
Although the VW-Porsche 914 was a success, the six-cylinder variants could not be sold in the numbers that Porsche had hoped for. The decision was made to move forward and the 916 was created as a super 914, which with 210 hp would have been the fastest, but also the most expensive Porsche of the 1972 model year. But even before the start of series production, the emergency brake was pulled because the car had become too expensive. Only ten coupés and one prototype were produced, and today they are among the most valuable road-going Porsches of the early 1970s. This vehicle report tells the story of the rare 914 derivative and shows it in historical and current pictures.
Premium
Volkswagen SP2 - Sport do Brazil
If you only think of the Bulli when you think of Volkswagen and Samba, you probably don't remember the pretty coupé child from the German-Brazilian VW marriage. These affordable sports cars were never officially offered in Europe, but some did make it across the Atlantic. This report shows one of the few VW SP2s on the road in this country and tells its story.
After its launch in 1970, the K 70 taken over from NSU matured into Volkswagen's family-friendly and moderately sporty flagship. Auto Revue tested the K 70 L in the summer of 1973 and found that most of the weaknesses had been eliminated and the advantages outweighed the weaknesses. This report reproduces the newly edited original text and supplements it with archive photos and the original brochure.
The VW-Porsche 914/2.0 was the pinnacle of the VW-Porsche series, if one excludes the models with Porsche six-cylinder engines. Significantly cheaper than the pure Porsche version it replaced, it offered hardly less driving pleasure and prestige, and thus became a successful model after all. This report describes driving impressions with a 100 hp 914 from 1973, supplemented by pictures from today and back then.
By upgrading the appearance and engine, the VW-Porsche sales company tried to give its 914 model an even brisker pace in sales. The once tame VW-Porsche offspring thus became a small sports car to be taken seriously. This short test from 1973 explains whether it was possible to turn the "best-selling sports car" in Germany into "the sports car" of Germany.
A good DM 11,000 was enough to buy a Fiat X 1/9 in 1973, while almost DM 14,000 was needed to purchase the VW-Porsche 914/4 1.8. Both were real sports cars, and in terms of design they stood out clearly from the everyday pulp of the time. However, despite the price difference, there was no clear winner in the comparison test, rather the desire for the ideal mix.
The first Golf GTI is considered the founder and prime example of the hot hatch category, while the BMW 1802 touring was created in times of cost-cutting pressure and also sold poorly. The former still delights countless fans today, while most car connoisseurs hardly remember the latter. Despite the clear signs, anyone who thinks that this comparison is a pure show trial is mistaken...
Volkswagen began to completely revamp its product range with the Passat. As the first model, the Passat carried particular weight. Although closely related to the Audi 80, the Wolfsburg variant with a hatchback or estate offered a welcome alternative and ultimately sold better than the Audi. This driving report clarifies whether the Passat can also convince as a slender 1.3-liter Variant.
In 1974, the magazine 'hobby' compared the three affordable mid-engined sports cars Fiat X 1/9, Matra-Simca Bagheera and VW-Porsche 914 2.0 over 4,000 km. They were measured and felt, looked at and listened to. Many a flaw came to light and the qualities of the individual concepts became clear. This report edits the wording of the article at the time and supplements the illustrations with archive pictures of the three vehicles, as well as a whole series of sales documents.
The VW Scirocco was also an indirect successor to the Karmann Ghia and the forerunner of the modern Volkswagen. Technically identical in construction to the VW Golf, the Scirocco was very successful with over 500,000 units built over 7 years. This was due not least to Giugiaro's design, but also to its good driving performance, safe handling and low fuel consumption.
Even before the start of production, newspapers and magazines were able to drive the first VW Golf in 1974, including the magazine 'hobby'. The editors were enthusiastic, even if they would have liked a little more noise comfort and a few small improvements. This article reproduces the original wording of the test report and shows the early Golf in many illustrations.
Audi had developed a remarkable dynamic at the end of the 1960s. Under chief developer Ludwig Krauss, the basic elements that would one day save VW from ruin were created in Ingolstadt. The bottom end of the VW retread was the VW Polo in 1975, which was also a child of Audi development and initially nothing more than a slimmed-down Audi 50.
High hopes were pinned on the smallest VW, as it was supposed to bring the Group out of the red as a basic model. As a compact estate car with variable luggage space and an engine that was spirited and economical for its displacement class, the Polo was a convincing proposition. This test report from the time describes its chances of displacing the VW 1200 Beetle on the German market and how it fared in comparison to the Audi 50.
Five mid-range coupés from four countries were compared by the magazine 'hobby' in 1975: Toyota Celica, Ford Capri II, Renault R15, Fiat 128 SL and VW Scirocco. And the question was whether the beauty of the cars would win out over their reduced utility value. This carefully edited original comparison test from 1975 reproduces the text and findings and is illustrated with many additional archive images.
In its very first year, the VW Golf became the best-selling car in Germany. Looking back, it must be said that the transition from the Beetle to the Golf was smoother than expected. The 1975 test takes a close look at the Golf LS.
Buggies were all the rage in this country in the seventies. They were cheap and still a lot of fun to drive. You could build them in your garage at home. One of the most successful European variants was the GP Beach Buggy from England. Like its great role model, the Meyers Manx, it used a shortened Beetle chassis as a basis. This driving report looks back into the past, provides driving impressions of today and shows the GP Beach Buggy in historical and modern images.
Premium
VW Golf LS - as green as hope
The VW Golf was the most important new model for the brand from Wolfsburg since the post-war period; without it, the Volkswagen world would probably look very different today. Reason enough to go back to the very beginning and enjoy the qualities of an early Golf LS. This driver's report tells the story of the successful model and shows the early Golf in many new and historical pictures. A sound sample and sales literature are also included.
"A Volkswagen that is fully suitable for everyday use, unobtrusive, with a top speed of more than 180 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds and correspondingly safe handling? Such a car would have been considered pure utopia in the past, and even when the Golf was launched in the summer of 1974, no one could have expected such a treat. But today it is on the market as the Golf GTI." This is how the 1976 test of the Golf GTI conducted by Automobil Revue began. We have reworked and republished it. Because this car, which initiated a new class of vehicles, deserves a place in the automotive genealogy. This is also shown by the summarized findings of the AR testers: "The Golf GTI from VW is one of those few affordable cars that are fully suitable for everyday use and can bring joy to the enthusiastic expert on the road thanks to their performance and handling. With the rear door and the rear folding bench, this spacious two-door car can be transformed into a station wagon if required, just like any Golf, and it also offers the good winter performance of a front-wheel drive car. As always, it is up to the driver to use this fast, safe vehicle in traffic in such a way that it does not attract unpleasant attention."
The Scirocco rarely appeared in the Bundesliga table of the 18 best-selling cars of the 1970s. Was it the price or the car? Because the VW Scirocco TS was actually an agile coupé with estate car advantages. But did the VW Scirocco TS have enough drive for sporty people? The mot test from back then clarifies and classifies.
Few would dare to describe the first VW Derby as beautiful. But its notchback was undeniably harmoniously integrated into the Polo line. The fact that it was also faster, more economical and more comfortable than its rivals also ensured its inner beauty. This historical test reports on the advantages of the VW Derby.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI, BMW 320/6 and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta were among the favorites of performance-hungry and sporty family dads around four decades ago. Even today, these practical and well-engined saloons can still impress if you can find them. This driving report compares the sports saloons of the time and shows them in many pictures.
The discussion about electromobility has probably never been as loud and widespread as it is today. But back in the 1970s, the oil crisis prompted Volkswagen to focus intensively on the electrification of its practical Type 2 workhorse, then in its second generation. This richly illustrated article explains how the "electric transporter" project was approached and whether it bore fruit, presenting not only the electric van but also its conventionally powered organ donor.
At the end of the 1970s, car visionary and gourmet Günter Artz had two Porsche 928s fitted with VW Golf bodies. This quite elaborate conversion combined the inconspicuous appearance of a somewhat wide Golf with the driving performance of the top sports car from Zuffenhausen. Both cars have survived and continue to inspire today. This report portrays the second Nordstadt Golf produced with 928 technology and tells the story of the project.
The VW 1303 Cabriolet was built by Karmann from 1973 to 1980, almost 115,000 of them. At the time, it was the cheapest way to transport five people in the open air and it was loved, even today. This driving report summarizes the history of the open-top Volkswagen and tries to find out why the Beetle Cabriolet has become one of the most popular classics. Five brochures and countless archive photos (from 1938 to 1980) provide an insight into the development and nature of the open-top Beetle.
Not so many years ago, the VW Beetle was the most-produced vehicle in automotive history, but it has since been overtaken by more modern successors. However, the popularity of the round rear-engined car remains unbroken, and even as a classic car it is high up in the registration rankings. A Beetle makes drivers, passengers and passers-by smile, and that is precisely the aim of this story illustrated with particularly emotional pictures for the 2016 Beetle Year.
Everyone knows it, it became the progenitor of a new class of car, the VW Golf GTI, developed and produced by the Volkswagen company, which until shortly before was known mainly as the builder of the VW Beetle and a few less successful successors. The GTI was able to keep up with many a sports car that was several times more expensive and could easily be used in everyday life. This made it a trendsetter, and its imitators have continued into the modern era. This driving report, illustrated with current and historical images, aims to find out just how good the original introduced 40 years ago was.
Premium
VW Polo Fox - An everyday hero
It looked as if a normal Polo had fallen into a paint bucket shortly before completion: with reduced equipment, an interior covered in body color and wheels painted in the same color, the VW Polo Fox set out at the end of 1984 to appeal to a more youthful clientele. Today, the former economy model is threatened with extinction. An enthusiast from Germany has rescued a saima green Fox from the first year of production, which illustrates this article about the long-lived special model.
In 1987, Volkswagen almost beat the Audi Quattro on Pikes Peak - with a Golf. However, the racing version had little in common with the well-behaved off-the-shelf compact car. With an additional engine in front of the rear axle, there was certainly no lack of propulsion. This report describes the twin-engined Golf and shows it in many pictures.
Premium
VW Corrado G60 - Sporty in parts
Volkswagen broke new ground with the Corrado in 1988. Unlike the Scirocco and Karmann-Ghia, the new VW coupé was not only intended to look like a sports car, but also to drive like one. After the successful Polo G40, the Corrado was therefore the brand's second model with a mechanical spiral loader. However, the result was almost a little too civilized for the intended goal. This article introduces VW's first real sports car.
The Beetle Cabriolet's fan community would probably have been large enough to give it another 10 years of production, but there were good reasons why the Beetle had to make way for the open-top Golf. And it did a really good job and managed to be built for 14 years with only minor changes. Even today, when almost all Golf Cabriolets are already classic cars, it still manages to impress with its modern virtues. This driver's report is about a late VW Golf Cabriolet and summarizes the 14-year history of the first open Golf generation, extensively illustrated and supplemented with the sales brochure of the time.
The Golf II GTI didn't have it easy, after all, its predecessor had initiated a new vehicle class and its fan base was huge. But the successor could do almost everything better and it won over the trade press in all respects. But is this enough to make it as popular a classic as the first GTI? This report describes the second-generation VW Golf GTI and portrays it in many pictures.
Convertible fun doesn't have to be expensive, especially not with a classic car. The Opel Kadett, Ford Escort and VW Golf prove that you can enjoy open-top driving fun even on a budget.
The Passat was VW's top-of-the-range model in the 1990s. Of course, it also had a G-charged engine, but without really moving up into the luxury class. Despite its good driving characteristics, it simply had two cylinders too few. This article presents the VW Passat GT syncro G60, quotes contemporary press reviews and shows a picture of the model from the factory collection.
In 1989, the Golf Rallye was the first model to receive the newly developed G60 engine with a larger G-charger. However, the Sport Golf, which was intended as a homologation model, was a flop. Shortly afterwards, the engine found its way under the hood of the Golf GTI, which breathed the much-missed sportiness back into the famous abbreviation. The 210 PS Golf Limited even surpassed this goal with a vengeance. However, only a few were able to enjoy the über-Golf. This article is dedicated to the VW model series that offered more G-Lader variety than any other.
Premium
VW Polo G40 - Little whirlwind
The Polo G40 was the first VW with a G-charger in 1985 - and the last in 1994. Although mechanical turbocharging impressed contemporary testers and worked better in the smallest Volkswagen than in any other, it died along with the second generation of the Polo, the 86C. Today, the limited first edition is particularly sought after. This article introduces the Polo G40.
Four-wheel drive was no longer new at Volkswagen in 1989, but the fact that the VW Golf was raised and given a brute off-road vehicle look was still something of a sensation. The result even went into series production and drove quite convincingly, even if the high-traction VW Golf Country was more suitable for asphalt and gravel than for rough terrain. This report is about one of the surviving VW Golf Country, tells its story and shows it in many illustrations and in the sales literature of the time.
In 1988, Volkswagen presented the VW Corrado, the first "real" sports car and probably the only one to be produced in series to this day. Almost 100,000 units of the coupé, which was originally intended to be launched as the Scirocco 3, were built. The G60 and VR6 variants were particularly attractive. And they still are today. This driving report is dedicated to the VW Corrado VR6 and describes the development history of the sporty coupé.
Premium
VW Beetle RSi - Special Beetle
With 224 hp, the VW Beetle RSi was the most powerful series-produced "Beetle" of its era; with 250 units produced, it remained rare. It anticipated the Golf R32 and can still be seen today as the pinnacle of Beetle history. This driving report is dedicated to one of the rare examples and shows it in historical and current photo material.
The VW Golf IV R32 was a latecomer; it was only presented shortly before the end of the fourth generation of the Golf. As the most powerful Golf of all time and the first Golf with a direct-shift gearbox (DSG), the sporty compact achieved cult status and is now practically as expensive as a new car. An achievement too! This driving report tells the story of the Golf IV R32 and shows it in historical and current images.
Current market prices for Volkswagen
2-Door Sedan, 24 PS, 1131 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 24 PS, 1131 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 24 PS, 1131 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 24 PS, 1131 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 24 PS, 1131 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 29 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 29 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 29 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 29 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 34 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 29 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 34 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 34 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 34 PS, 1192 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 43 PS, 1285 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 50 PS, 1584 cm3
2-Door Sedan, 39 PS, 1285 cm3
More vehicle evaluations from Classic Data can be found via the search function.
Auctioned vehicles of Volkswagen
| Brand | Model | Year | Status | Auction name | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 1 GTI 1983 Sold Barons Autumn Classic (October 27, 2015) |
Golf 1 GTI | 1983 | Sold | Barons Autumn Classic (October 27, 2015) | |
| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1600 1970 Not Sold Garage 61 Eppan Sale (September 26, 2015) |
Karmann Ghia 1600 | 1970 | Not Sold | Garage 61 Eppan Sale (September 26, 2015) | |
| Volkswagen Type 2 23-Window Split-Screen Microbus 1958 Withdrawn Bonhams The Bond Street Sale (December 12, 2024) |
Type 2 23-Window Split-Screen Microbus | 1958 | Withdrawn | Bonhams The Bond Street Sale (December 12, 2024) | |
| Volkswagen Golf 1 GL 1986 Not Sold Barons British Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars (June 4, 2016) |
Golf 1 GL | 1986 | Not Sold | Barons British Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars (June 4, 2016) | |
| Volkswagen Thing 1974 Sold RM/Sotheby's Palm Beach (March 20, 2020) |
Thing | 1974 | Sold | RM/Sotheby's Palm Beach (March 20, 2020) | |
| Volkswagen Scirocco 2 GT 1988 Not Sold Brightwells Leominster Sale (June 23, 2016) |
Scirocco 2 GT | 1988 | Not Sold | Brightwells Leominster Sale (June 23, 2016) | |
| Volkswagen Corrado G60 1992 Not Sold ACA Kings Lynn Auction (November 5, 2016) |
Corrado G60 | 1992 | Not Sold | ACA Kings Lynn Auction (November 5, 2016) | |
| Volkswagen Golf 1 GL 1983 Sold SWVA Dorset Sale (October 28, 2016) |
Golf 1 GL | 1983 | Sold | SWVA Dorset Sale (October 28, 2016) | |
| Volkswagen T2b Bus 1978 Not Sold Historics at Brooklands Surrey (March 12, 2016) |
T2b Bus | 1978 | Not Sold | Historics at Brooklands Surrey (March 12, 2016) | |
| Volkswagen T3 Bus 1984 Not Sold Brightwells Leominster Sale (June 23, 2016) |
T3 Bus | 1984 | Not Sold | Brightwells Leominster Sale (June 23, 2016) |
Query all auctioned vehicles of Volkswagen
All 577 Volkswagen models
Loading...