Volkswagen GTI: A History in Pictures

Our first drive of the Euro-market GTI Edition 35 sent us rummaging through our archives for photos and info on the history of VW’s pocket rocket. We thought we’d share.

1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Conceived by a small group of engineers under the “Sport Golf” code name, the original Golf GTI is somewhat engineered from the corporate parts bin. VW uses components from the Audi 80/Fox GT, including its high-output 1.6-liter engine, now with fuel injection. The result: 110 hp at 6100 rpm to move only 1800 pounds or so, which translates into a 0-to-60-mph time of 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 110 mph. This approaches the territory of contemporary high-powered premium sedans, and in the speed- and power-crazy market, it turns the automotive hierarchy upside down.

1979 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The GTI leaves a mark. It is not cheap, and it becomes a preferred means of transportation for the urban elite in Paris, London, and Frankfurt. It’s gotta be black. The GTI sparks a flurry of competing models, but none of them matches the class-transcending image of this VW, which decidedly is not a “people’s car.” For the 1979 model year, it gets plastic bumpers and a fuel-consumption gauge—not to be confused with a plain old fuel gauge—instead of a water-temperature gauge. The first shadows of political correctness?

1982 Volkswagen Golf GTD

In 1982, VW launches its first turbo-diesel and aims to give the new technology a decisive image boost by naming it the GTD. With GTI colors, a similar interior, and wider fenders, the GTD is a legitimate sister model of the GTI—and a lot of fun to drive in its own way. The GTI’s red stripes are replaced with silver for the GTD.

1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI

For the 1983 model year, VW launches the Rabbit GTI, built alongside the regular Rabbit at its Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, production site, giving the U.S. market its first taste of the three magic letters. Its 1.8-liter engine makes 90 hp. We praise its “eager engine and polished manners.”

1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli edition

The second-generation Golf is around the corner—at least in Europe. VW launches a final “Pirelli” edition on the Continent for 1983, a car which today enjoys a cult-like following. It’s set apart by its dual headlights, tinted glass, leather steering wheel, and, of course, the characteristic Pirelli wheels.