And suddenly it was there. In 1976, Volkswagen launched a Golf that surprised everyone: distinctive sporting capabilities, visually understated styling, a red trim strip on the radiator grille, chequered seat covers – the GTI. These three letters quickly became legendary, creating a veritable cult that continues to inspire and captivate people today, now in its eighth generation.
Golf GTI
Archive
Long live sport
50 years of GTI
Anniversary brochure
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An icon turns 50: spotlight on the Golf GTI at the Bremen Classic Motorshow
The Golf GTI is the compact athlete for all situations in life. With more than 2.5 million units produced, it is a true success model. To kick off the anniversary year, Volkswagen is presenting two vehicles from the first generation at the Bremen Classic Motorshow: a Mars Red Golf I GTI from 1979 and a Brilliant Black Golf I GTI from 1983 in the original rally patina. -
The original turns 50 – Volkswagen celebrates five decades of GTI in 2026
It is the world’s most successful compact sports car: the Golf GTI. The original in its class. More than 2.5 million units have been produced to date. In 2026, the Golf GTI will turn 50 – and this will be celebrated with a variety of national and international classic events, the exclusive anniversary model Golf GTI EDITION 50, and the world premiere of the first all-electric GTI.
