Volkswagen Golf I
The first Golf model began production in 1974 and was marketed in the United States and Canada as the Volkswagen Rabbit, and in Latin America as the Volkswagen Caribe. It was the first design of its kind with a water-cooled, front wheel drive design similar to the Citroën Traction Avant in 1934, with the addition of a hatchback pioneered by the Renault 4 in 1961. This pioneering design was rewarded with Wheel's magazine's Car of the Year award for 1975. The Golf name is derived from "Golf-Strom", German for Gulf Stream, as it was thought to reflects the car's international nature.
While the engineering and build quality of the Volkswagen Golf was praised, it was this combination of features hadn't been seen until then in the smaller car market. The car was designed by Italian automobile architect Giorgetto Giugiaro, and there is still a version of the original design produced in South Africa called the Volkswagen CitiGolf.
In 1978, Volkswagen began producing a variation of the Mk1 Golf in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, being the first European manufacturer to do so. Former Chevrolet executive James McLernon was chosen to run the factory, attempting to "Americanize" the Rabbit. Despite some negative feedback, the plant went on to producing the GTI version for the North American market, as well as the first VW Caddy pick-up, still based on the Mk1 Golf.
The GTI version, released in 1976 in Europe and 1983 in the US, was one of the first small cars to incorporate fuel injection and power output of the 1588cc engine was increased to 110 PS (81 kW/108 hp). In 2004, Sports Car International announced the GTI Mk I as the 3rd best car of the 1980s. Sometimes referred to as the Rabbit GTI in America, there was a 1980 facelift for North American versions only.
Also launched in 1980 was the convertible version, called the Cabriolet, which was produced until 1993 when the Mk III Cabrio replaced it. It had a reinforced body, transverse roll bar, and a high level of trim. The Cabriolet was of unibody construction, as Volkswagen supplied the engine, suspension, interior for Karmann to install.
As of 2006, Volkswagen of South Africa still manufactures two first generation Golfs, the four-door "Citi" Golf and the "Pickup".
Volkswagen Golf I 1974 has an unmistakable style that will make any room look cool. Get your hands on unique VW merchandise like posters, mouse pads, t-shirts and calendars and show off your style!
