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René Ploumen's 1 VW Golf 1982: a classic look at an iconic car
René Ploumen from Bocholtz, South Limburg, is the proud owner of a beautiful Volkswagen Golf 1 from 1982. This iconic car has been in his garage since 2006, after he brought it from Germany himself. The Golf 1, affectionately called “Golfje”, is a two-door model in the striking colour Mars red (LA3A). Under the bonnet is a 1500 cc petrol engine with a modest output of 70 hp, coupled with an automatic gearbox. What makes this example extra special is the steel sliding roof, a factory extra that contributes to the feeling of freedom during tours in the region.
René himself has also made some adjustments to his beloved Golf. For example, the previous owner has installed hinged windows in the doors, but he himself has mounted the iconic GTI “Spucknapf” sports steering wheel. Furthermore, the car now rides on “Tarantula” aluminum rims, which gives a beautiful classic touch to this timeless design.
Personal connection with the VW Golf 1
Rene's passion for the VW Golf 1 goes beyond just his current example. In the past, he has owned no less than three Golf 1 models, including two rare Pirelli GTIs from 1983, the farewell model of the Golf 1 GTI series for the German market. These versions were equipped with the famous 1800 DX engine, a power source that made a great impression at the time. Unfortunately, he had to say goodbye to one of the Pirellis after an accident, and he sold the other with great regret, something he still looks back on with nostalgia.
“You are always smarter in hindsight,” René remarks about the sale of his previous Golf.
Membership of the Original Golf 1 IG eV
René has been a member of the German “Original Golf 25 IG eV” for almost 1 years – a club dedicated to the preservation of original Golf 1 models. Founded with the aim of protecting the historical value of the Golf 1, the club organises an annual large gathering in Wolfsburg, the heart of Volkswagen. In addition, they participate in prestigious events such as the Techno Classica in Essen, one of the largest classic car fairs in Europe.
The Volkswagen Golf 1: a timeless classic
The Volkswagen Golf 1, introduced in 1974, marked the beginning of a new era for Volkswagen and the automotive industry. This compact model replaced the Volkswagen Beetle, which had been the face of the brand for many years. The design of the Golf 1, led by the famous Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, was sleek and modern, a clear break with the rounder design of the Beetle.
The Golf 1 was not only popular because of its design, but also because of its versatility. The car was offered in different versions, from practical everyday cars to sporty variants such as the GTI, which paved the way for the hot hatch culture that lives on to this day. The GTI was especially praised for its sporty performance, sharp handling and yet affordable price.
René’s Golf, with its 1500 cc engine, is a typical example of the versatility of this model. Although it is not a GTI, it offers enough power for relaxed touring, and the modifications such as the sliding roof and sports steering wheel give it a personal touch.
René's passion for the VW Golf 1 and his involvement with the Original Golf 1 IG eV show that this car is more than just a means of transport. It is a part of history, an icon that lives on thanks to owners like René, who keep their cars in top condition with care and love.
Tours through the Eifel
When the weather permits, René likes to drive his Mars-red Golf through the Eifel, a beautiful area just across the border in Germany. The winding roads and breathtaking views make it an ideal environment to drive a classic car. The sound of the 1500 cc engine, the feeling of the GTI steering wheel in his hands and the fresh wind through the sliding roof make every drive a little adventure.
The 1 Golf 1982 is a piece of living history, a car that evokes memories of simpler times and can still be found on the road today, thanks to dedicated owners like René Ploumen.
I personally think the Golf 1 is the most beautiful Golf, I've had about 30 of them myself. In 1996 I bought 25 of them in a sale from a former Volkswagen dealer whose owner had passed away. His nephew had to sell the cars and parts on behalf of the owner's wife. There were also many Beetles and T2 buses. I went for a black Golf 1 1.5 LD from 1979. That car was as good as new, but I bought the other 24 and 2 Jetta 1s as well, so 27 in total. Most Golfs and the 2 Jettas were all diesel, except for 2. The oldest was from 1976. The first year of the diesel version was a standard version with a narrow gear lever with the knob of a Beetle and of course with the metal bumpers. The years of construction were 1977,1978,1979,1981, 1981, 1.6 and 1979. Only the 1.1 model had large rear lights and was therefore a 4 diesel. The petrol models were both from 1.5 a 5 L 2 door and a 1.6 LS with metal sliding roof that had been from the first owner and had only been driven for 1981 years and was also still in top condition the 1983 Jetta's were 1200 diesel from 1 and XNUMX I paid XNUMX guilders for them all at the time that's why I bought them all and then I also bought a few like that I was at the scrapyard in Heerlen last week there is also a Golf XNUMX there which I think is a real shame
Hi, at which scrapyard in Heerlen was that Golf 1?
Regards, Rene
Hi René,
Also crazy about Mk1 with steel bumpers…..?
Does René also have email…?
I am interested in: “Original Golf 1 IG eV” 😉
Something so beautiful…
Hi Peter,
Of course I am also crazy about Golf 1's with the steel bumpers! Of course I will not publish my e-mail here.
This is the website of the “Original Golf 1 IG eV” There you can also see how you can become a member if you want: https://golf1-ig.de/
Regards, Rene
Hi Peter,
Of course I am also crazy about Golf 1's with steel bumpers, that is a beautiful example! I will not place my e-mail here. I have just responded twice in which I placed a link from the website of the "Original Golf 1 IG eV", but that does not seem to have been approved by Auto Motor Klassiek to have come, because those responses are no longer there. So if you are interested in the “Original Golf 1 IG eV” you should Google it.
Regards, Rene
Maybe this will work: www . golf1 – ig . de
Strange, now one of the first two comments with a link is there.
Comments containing a link must be approved separately by an administrator. This is because of spam.
Hello, I have a Golf(je) GLD 1.5. Built in 1979. 2nd owner since 2008.
on October 11, 12 and 13 at the Oldtimer Fair in Leek.
Hi Johan,
With that car you should also visit the annual “Original Golf 1” Meeting in Wolfsburg, which is always either the second or third weekend of July (Depending on which weekend the association is assigned the meeting location by the municipality). If you are interested, you should keep an eye on the website of the “Original Golf 1 IG eV”.
Regards, Rene
My first Golf (after some Polo and Audi 50 work) was a mark 1 with drums all around and a 1.1 that drank oil as if it were petrol….
Still drove the white copy for a while.
I recognize your comment as my father's story... his Golf 1.1 indeed drank almost as much oil as petrol, and he drank it as if he couldn't drink it anymore tomorrow. That's why I called him "affectionately" the "Ölschlucker"...
Yeeeees, an 82 is not quite the 'original golf' but it is very beautiful. My first car was a 1978 Golf 1,5D. Tuned and all. Different springs, very modestly lowered, Koni shock absorbers and stabilizer bars front and rear. Brakes from a 1984 GTI incl. the associated brake booster. The roadholding was really FANTASTIC with hardly anything visible from the outside of all the modifications. I still cherish wonderful memories of that car. I have only one request for René: Will you take good care of it and be careful with it? Then I can sleep peacefully again and dream about my Golf of yesteryear.
Hi Moritzzzzz…
Thanks for the compliment! I will of course continue to take good care of it and be careful with it, just like the past 18 years that this car has been in my possession!