At the Techno Classica in Essen from April 10 to 14, 2013, Volkswagen will be focusing on the Golf in Hall 7 under the working title "Seven Generations of Golf". Since the Golf I of 1974, the Golf has been regarded as the benchmark for the compact class.
Over 30 million Golfs sold since 1974
The first Golf designed by Giorgio Giugiaro rolled off the production lines in March 1974. The GTI and the diesel version followed in 1976 and the Cabriolet in 1979. After 6.72 million units, the second Golf arrived in 1983 and was available with all-wheel drive for the first time from 1986. With the third generation (built from 1991 to 1997), Volkswagen further extended its leading role in the compact class. The Golf IV (1997 to 2003) with its clear design was followed by the Golf V (built from 2003 to 2008), the Golf VI (2008 to 2012) and, last year, the Golf VII.
Incidentally, Volkswagen never officially numbered the Golf generations, i.e. no Golf I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII. This changed with the new Golf in September 2012, when this numbering found its way into the history of the Golf in a press release for the first time.
With a total of almost 30 million units sold over four decades, this Volkswagen, including its derivatives such as the Cabriolet or Variant, is one of the most successful cars ever offered in the world.
Golf GTI over seven generations
In addition to the six historic Golf GTI model series since 1974, the Wolfsburg-based company is also presenting the new Golf GTI as a German premiere at Techno Classica. Volkswagen Classic is expected to present the following exhibits in Essen:
- Golf I GTI from 1978 with a 110 PS 1.6-litre engine, a model from the early years - recognizable by the short bumpers.
- Golf II GTI 16V from 1990 - in contrast to the 112 PS two-valve engine, it had 139 PS at its disposal.
- Golf III GTI from 1997 from the "discontinued series" launched for the 20th anniversary with 115 PS.
- Golf IV GTI special model 25th Anniversary Limited Edition from 2002 with 180 hp 1.8-liter engine.
- Golf V GTI Edition 30 from 2006 with 230 PS.
- Golf VI GTI Edition 35 from 2010, which achieves a very proud 235 PS.
- Golf VII GTI from 2013 with at least 220 hp from 2 liters of displacement - this car is celebrating its German premiere here in Essen.
