The cars of 1974. Part one. VW Golf and Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

2024 is less than a month away. And that is a good time to start with the cars that were launched fifty years ago. Today we put two cars in the spotlight that Giorgetto Giugiaro had a hand in: the Volkswagen Golf and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

Volkswagen Golf (first generation, 1974-1983)
Of course, the Volkswagen Golf should not be missing from the overview of fifty-year-old cars. It is common knowledge: the Golf was seen as the successor to the outdated Beetle. It was also time for innovation at Volkswagen, and this was desperately needed. The first production Golf rolled off the production line on March 29, 1974. VW started the range with 1100 engines and 1500 engines, and the delivery range was clear, with some equipment levels and three- and five-door variants. The Golf was well received, although the press in the home country wondered whether the Golf would unleash the same popularity as the Beetle. Furthermore, the Golf had start-up problems. The design went back to the drawing board three times during the first production phase (1974), and moreover, the matter was not yet completely in order technically. There was another ailment: susceptibility to rust.

Italian styling, VW technology
The Golf 1 was a great design (Italian styling, VW technology) and fit the bill in terms of dimensions and modern applications. That is beyond dispute. He quickly enjoyed popularity. And the concept was expanded with a diesel version, the GTI, and more luxurious versions. In 1977, VW carried out a facelift (including plastic bumpers and a slightly modified engine program), and rust prevention was also improved. More and more promotional models were released, such as the Sprinter, the M and the MX. Furthermore, the Golf Cabriolet appeared in 1979. And for the 1980 model year, Volkswagen actually carried out the last facelift, which included widening the rear light units and giving the Golf a different dashboard. The diesel versions now had the 1.6 engine in the front, and from 1982 the GTI welcomed a 1.8 engine. Ultimately, the first Golf generation was replaced by the Golf II in 1983, after a production of more than seven million copies. Today, the Golf 1 is a sought-after classic. The GTI versions (in original condition) and the very first Golf copies (with Swallowtail) are particularly popular.

Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT
Had for years Alfa Romeo de Bertone coupes in the program. In 1974 the successor actually appeared on the scene: the Alfetta GT. The lines did not come from Giorgetto Giugiaro, and were extremely smooth and agile. The GT debuted with the 1.8 engine, and two years later the 1.6 and 2.0 engines appeared. In combination, the coupes were called Alfetta GT 1.6 and Alfetta GTV 2000 respectively. Launched in the autumn of 1980 Alfa Romeo a modified version of this model generation. Henceforth the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT/GTV continues as GTV. Important changes were different rear lights, a modified interior, less chrome and various plastic elements, which were finished in black in keeping with the spirit of the times. The 1.6 engine variant disappeared from the range, but the 2.0 remained on the program.

Six-cylinder and further modifications
Alfa Romeo made another important development in the GTV saga. The modified coupe was also available with the new 2492 cc Busso V6 from the Alfa 6. After this modification, the coupe was given the name GTV6. The engine delivered a maximum power of 160 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm. In order to fit the large power source - with Bosch injection - a new hood with elevation had to be designed. Decided in 1983 Alfa Romeo to implement some cosmetic and technical modifications - and a much improved corrosion prevention. Among other things, the ratios of the gearbox were revised. Furthermore, the interior and the dashboard were updated.

Special versions
Several special versions appeared during the construction period of the Alfetta GT and GTV. Such as the Reiff series with the 2.6 V8 engine from the Montreal, and 400 Turbodelta versions, which had a blown two-liter engine on board. In 1987 the beautiful coupe was over and closed, after a production number of almost 140.000 copies.