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Volkswagen Golf I (Mk1) gallery (1974–1983)

The first generation Volkswagen Golf, introduced in 1974, created the modern front-wheel-drive hatchback segment and became an iconic model for the brand.

All photos 2516 I (Mk1) 21 1974–1983 II (Mk2) 9 1983–1992 III (Mk3) 12 1991–1997 IV (Mk4) 50 1997–2006 V (Mk5) 143 2003–2009 VI (Mk6) 306 2008–2013 VII (Mk7) 1415 2012–2020 VIII (Mk8) 277 2019
volkswagen golf pic #101110 1280 x 960 1976
volkswagen golf pic #101109 1280 x 960 1976
volkswagen golf pic #101108 1280 x 960 1976
volkswagen golf pic #101107 1280 x 960 1976
volkswagen golf pic #101106 2048 x 1536 1 1976
volkswagen golf pic #73111 1600 x 1200 44 I (1976) & VI (2010)
volkswagen golf pic #73107 1600 x 1200 41 I (1976) & VI (2010)
volkswagen golf pic #70611 1600 x 1200 34 I (1976), II (1983), III (1991)
volkswagen golf pic #70610 1600 x 1200 31 Golf I GTI (1976)
volkswagen golf pic #70609 1600 x 1200 40 Golf I GTI (1976)
volkswagen golf pic #70608 1600 x 1200 33 Golf I GTI (1976)
volkswagen golf pic #70567 1600 x 1200 44 I (1979)
volkswagen golf pic #70566 1600 x 1200 46 I (1979)
volkswagen golf pic #70404 1600 x 1200 60 Golf I — 1974
volkswagen golf pic #70403 1600 x 1200 59 Golf I — 1974

The first generation Volkswagen Golf (Typ 17) was officially introduced in May 1974 as the revolutionary successor to the air-cooled Beetle. Designed by Italdesign under the guidance of Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car brought a modern transverse engine layout paired with front-wheel drive. It quickly captured global market success owing to its compact exterior dimensions, surprisingly practical cabin layout, and low running costs. Body options included three-door and five-door hatchbacks, complemented by a distinctive roll-bar cabriolet introduced in 1979.

Engine choices encompassed carbureted gasoline units from 1.1 to 1.8 liters, alongside naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.5 and 1.6-liter diesels. The launch of the hot Golf GTI in 1976, powered by a 110 hp fuel-injected 1.6-liter engine, defined an entirely new high-performance compact segment. Over its production lifecycle, the Mk1 received updated safety features and plastic bumper trims before European production concluded in 1983.