“A success story since 1976. When the Golf GTI was launched in 1976, no one could have guessed that the 81 kW (110 PS) Volkswagen, with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and golf ball gear knob, would soon become the world’s most successful compact sports car. Only 5,000 units were planned, but in the first year alone dealers sold 10 times as many vehicles. In total, 461,690 first-generation Golf GTI cars were built,” Volkswagen said.

“It was the unusual overall package that struck a chord: a highly precise sports car for lonely Alpine passes and, at the same time, a practical companion for every day of the year, extremely economical and instantly a timeless style icon. The price was also a hit: 13,850 Deutschmarks in Germany. The media spoke of the democratization of the sports car. And indeed, the performance of the 182 km/h Volkswagen was impressive: with a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.0 seconds, the 1976 Golf GTI left behind numerous sports cars and coupes that were easily 10,000 Deutschmarks more expensive,” Volkswagen said.

The celebrations kick off from 28 January to 1 February in Paris at Rétromobile. The classic car show at the Port de Versailles will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2026, as well. The first German show for classic vehicles begins in the Hanseatic city of Bremen: the Bremen Classic Motorshow. Here, the Golf GTI will be in the spotlight from 30 January to 2 February.

The marketing of this world-famous product brand in the anniversary year 2026 is the Golf GTI EDITION 50 – the most powerful production Golf GTI to date, with 239 kW (325 PS). The anniversary model is available to order in some European markets, with the first units to be delivered in 2026.

Brand Extension

VW is now taking the GTI name to another model series with the Polo GTI. In 2026, a new Polo GTI will have 166 kW (226 PS), it will transfer the GTI philosophy into electric drive for the first electric GTI.