Originally released in 1974 and styled by Italdesign, Volkswagen’s Golf was actually intended to be a small and affordable economy car. However, this compact and lightweight hatchback ended up almost naturally making its way onto the racing circuit — a move that would go on to inspire its future (see the GTI, for reference). Now, the very-first race-ready 1975 Volkswagen Golf Mk 1 is headed to the auction block.
What’s perhaps most impressive about this vehicle, besides its obvious historical significance, is that it has a fully-documented racing history. In fact, shortly after it was introduced, it took 1st on the Hockenheimring grand prix circuit with driver Bernd Lilier. In addition, this bright-red, 1.8L, 175hp rally car also went through a comprehensive rebuild in 2011, courtesy of Nothelle Performance on behalf of Volkswagen AG, to get it back into racing condition. Said to be ready to drive, this supremely important Golf will hit the RM Sotheby’s Essen auction block in mid-late June of 2020.
