The Golf Mk1 revived VW’s fortunes, finally proving the future was not rear-engined or air-cooled, and was a major reason why VW’s turnover increased from DM 16,982 million in 1973 to DM 40,089 million in 1983. Replacing it could have been difficult but wisely VW opted for a conservative evolution which addressed the earlier car’s shortcomings while still seeming familiar. The Mk2 was announced in August 1983 and when replaced by the Mk3 in 1991, VW had sold over 13 million Golfs of all types worldwide, 7 million of which were Mk2s. Beige 1.3Cs sold in large numbers but few have survived so they are rare in the retro-car scene.
Engine: 1272cc 4IL SOHC
Power: 55bhp @ 5400rpm
Torque: 71lb.ft @ 3300rpm
Maximum speed: 93mph
0–60mph: 15.1secs