Up until the appearance of this car, golf was a lawn sport, just like polo, only much more civilized. But the top executives had obviously run out of names in the previous context, there aren't that many winds like the 'Passat' or 'Scirocco'.

The car didn't actually look that revolutionary, but it was born at a time that was by no means harmonious. The company was on the edge of the abyss and it would probably no longer exist today, at least in this form, had the Golf not been successful.

That increased the pressure tremendously, but also strengthened the innovative energy. It was the first VW passenger car except maybe the Type 3 that looked like a 'normal' car. Up until now, anything but reasonable cars had been developed as a replacement for the Beetle and also still too late.

It should stay with the rear engine, or rather the engine should be stowed under the rear seat bench (project EA 266). Porsche is known for showing relatively little consideration for passengers and their luggage. They sell engine compartments rather than passenger compartments on wheels.

Only when this grave of millions was replaced at the last minute by a courageous or perhaps desperate CEO Rudolf Leiding with existing Audi technology, the way was clear for the Golf. In principle it was the first front-wheel drive from VW, even if the Scirocco with the same substructure appeared just ahead of it.

The VW Passat as Audi 80 with a large tailgate did not count there. Only the Golf allowed itself technical and, above all, design features. Incidentally, that should come from Giugiaro, although the then Chairman of the Board of Management for Research and Development claimed significant changes for himself.

The first Golf didn't look all that Italian-styled either. When it appeared, the simplicity of the external shape was a little disappointing. Basically, the only tangible distinguishing feature that remained was the wide C-pillar without a window. Because there were already a lot of hatchback sedans.

Let's look for inner qualities. The relatively large front engine compartment in relation to the space for passengers and luggage is striking. It was trusted to be able to accommodate the engine lengthways. Did you already know back then everything that was being developed for this engine compartment?

No, it was more like the proportions which were created in this way and made the first Golf almost an icon. Matching the capabilities of the engine compartment was the incredible lightweight of the Golf 1, even if the displacement originally ended at 1.5 liters, of course still without turbo. There is no substitute for less weight, not even by more power. It was created by doing without everything that is not absolutely necessary, but without realizing that as a buyer.

The Golf received a rear axle derived from the Audi 50, which could not be surpassed in terms of simplicity. The whole world of manufacturers copied them for their vehicles right into the middle class. However, like many simple things, it also had its pitfalls. Their production required great precision, especially apparently the welding of the few individual parts.

And the lightweight Golf 1 had another disadvantage, the problems with rust. It did not come close to the quality of the Beetle. On the contrary, persistent rumors still linger on that the plant later bought up many of the vehicles and had them scrapped immediately. The pronounced shortage of classic cars from these vintages speaks for this.