VW Mk1 Golf Model Changes

Model Changes

• 1969
• • First prototype “EA-276”
• May-74
  • The Golf is presented in Munich.
  • Initially with two engines (1.1L, 50 HP + 1.5L, 70 HP).
  • Still with the “kink” in the rear and drum brakes on the front axle.
• Aug-74
  • Additional lettering “VOLKSWAGEN” at the rear right.
• Oct-74
  • Automatic option for the 1.5L, 70 HP engine.
• Dec-74
  • Articulated jack series introduced as an onboard tool.
• Feb-75
  • Improved seats with foam rubber padding.
  • Continuously adjustable backrest.
• Apr-75
  • Upgrade to include front disc brakes, heated rear window, front disc brakes.
• Jun-75
  • The 1.1-liter engine receives the Solex 31 PICT-5 carburetor and a sheet metal housing air filter.
  • Improved seats.
  • Change to the heating control.
  • Modified rear (without a “kink,” but some still had a “kink” until the beginning of 1976).
  • The lettering “VOLKSWAGEN” is now on the left side (no longer in italics).
• Aug-75
  • Elimination of 1.5L engines; introduction of 1.6L.
  • Presentation of the 110 HP engine for future GTI.
  • Reduction of turning circle (10.5m -> 10.3m) and increase of payload.
  • Change of forced ventilation on the front doors.
• Dec-75
  • New belt buckles.
• Mar-76
  • New fuel sender.
  • 500,000 Golf units sold.
• Jun-76
  • The Golf GTI officially appears for the first time (1.6L, 110 PS).
• Aug-76
  • Standard at the front with automatic belts and headrests.
  • Three-stage blower with a rotary switch introduced (previously two-stage, slide switch).
  • Modified bonnet (with bead).
  • Introduction of the GL variants (GL, GLS, GLD).
• Oct-76
  • 1 million Golf units sold.
• Jan-77
  • Modified oil cooler on the GTI.
• Aug-77
  • Improved noise insulation (engine/front axle bearing optimized).
  • New black door handles.
  • Eliminated 1.6L, 75 HP.
• Sep-77
  • Change to the brake booster: 9 instead of the previous 8-inch diameter.
  • Modified oil cooler on the GTI.
• Feb-78
  • Improved tank ventilation.
• Apr-78
  • US version of the Golf “Rabbit” (production in “New Stanton”).
• Jun-78
  • 2 million Golf units sold.
• Aug-78
  • New plastic-coated bumpers.
  • Rear brake drums now self-adjusting from the inside.
  • Exterior mirrors with a new design.
• Mar-79
  • Golf Cabrio introduced, manufactured by Karmann.
  • Improved preservation against rust.
  • 3-point belts in the rear.
  • Improved rust protection with a guarantee.
• Jun-79
  • New engine: 1.3L, 60 HP.
• Jul-79
  • Improved springs.
  • Visual changes.
  • Automatic belts now also at the rear plus lap belt.
  • Change of the chassis number to the new system.
• Sep-79
  • 3 million Golf units sold.
• Jan-80
  • 4+E transmission can be used on diesel engines if desired.
• Feb-80
  • Stronger generators: 45 instead of 35 Ah, 65 instead of 55 Ah.
• Aug-80
  • Complete upgrade of the entire Golf range.
  • New, wider rear lights.
  • Interior revision: instrument cluster and door panels redesigned.
  • New front rests, tachometer or timer, and coolant display for all models.
  • Wide rear lights replace the narrow version (except convertible).
  • TSZ introduced for all models.
• Nov-80
  • 4 million Golf units sold.
• Jan-81
  • Improved radiator mounting.
  • 4+E gearbox instead of 5-speed available with the GTI at no extra charge.
• Aug-81
  • Improved equipment range for all Golf models.
  • Golf GTI now also available as a 4-door.
  • New models: C and CL.
• Feb-82
  • Diesel now also available with automatic.
  • GTI available as a 4-door.
  • 5 million Golf units sold.
• Mar-82
  • New model: Golf GTD.
• Aug-82
  • First turbodiesel with 1.6L, 70 HP.
  • New engine for GTI: 1.8L, 112 HP.
  • Eliminated engine 1.3L, 60 HP.
  • Maintenance interval extended to 12 months (or 15,000 km).
• Oct-82
  • Changed ratio of the automatic transmission.
• Mar-83
  • Special models LX and GX presented.
• May-83
  • The GTI Pirelli introduced.
• Jul-83
  • Blue high beam indicator lamp replaces the previous yellow one (only convertible).
• Aug-83
  • 6 million Golf units sold.