During the Techno Classica in Essen in 2023, Volkswagen focused on the Volkswagen Passat. That was not for nothing, because in March 2023 it was fifty years ago that the German manufacturer presented the Volkswagen Passat to the press and public. The VW Passat B1 went on sale in May 1973 and became a hit for Volkswagen.
In March 1973, Volkswagen presented the first model from the new generation of water-cooled models. Of course: the K70 was already there, but that was a car developed by NSU, which would eventually make a career as a Volkswagen. However, the technology was not developed by VW. And it was not part of the modular system that VW applied to the new generation of models with water-cooled engines and front-wheel drive. The Passat B1 actually kicked off on behalf of Volkswagen, and retired the 1500/1600 models (Typ 3). The new Volkswagen was very closely based on the Audi 80, but was given a fastback shape.
Many similarities with the Audi 80, differences at the rear
That shape also meant that the Volkswagen Passat got a different design of the trunk. And in order to guarantee that space as optimally as possible, Volkswagen adjusted the rear suspension (suspension/damping) compared to the Audi 80: the suspension and damping were arranged separately from each other. The front suspension was the same as the Audi 80, with struts and wheels suspended from triangles. Incidentally, it is often stated that when formulating the development assignment, the intention was from the outset to base the Passat on the 80. That is not true. The prototype that Giugiaro designed (EA272 concept, see first photo in gallery below) was set up differently. The VW direct found - also due to cost considerations and the underlying interchangeability of parts - that the presented design had to be adapted to the Audi 80. So it happened. You did see a clear reference to the final design of the Volkswagen Passat B272 in the EA 1 concept version.
Equipment level
This is how the Volkswagen Passat appeared, which, thanks to its different rear, still got a very own look. The car became immediately available with two- and four-door bodies. Volkswagen also launched four trim levels. VW also made the longitudinally placed 1,3 (1298 cc) and 1,5 (1471 cc) engines available for the Passat B1. It was available with powers of 75 DIN hp (S, LS) and 85 DIN hp (TS). You recognized the version, also at the front: the versions with the 1.3 engine (base, L) had single round headlights, the S and the LS received rectangular viewers and the top model TS had a set of double headlights. The L, LS and TS were also more luxuriously equipped, and you could also recognize them by a wider application of decorative frames. In good VW practice, the prospective buyer also had an extensive option list available. Check it out!
Variant, other engines and the arrival of the GL and GLS
In January 1974, the Volkswagen Passat Variant appeared, and that was a well-balanced combination car that became quite popular, and (later) came on the market as Audi Fox in certain markets. From a motor point of view, VW made the first changes for the Passat (and for the Golf and Scirocco launched in 1974). The 1.5 copies made way for engines with a capacity of 1588 cc, again with powers of 75 DIN hp and 85 DIN hp. During model year 1974, Volkswagen also put a third (or fifth) door on the program for the Passat, and with this VW increased the practical conveniences for those who did not buy a Variant, but appreciated more flexibility in the luggage compartment. The delivery program was also joined in August 1976 by the luxury GL and the GLS (with closed wheel covers and double headlights, to name a few landmarks). The TS was dropped.
Facelift 1977
The Passat B1 continued until the summer of 1977. That was when Volkswagen presented the facelifted series (like other water-cooled VW models). There were changes to the interior (including the dashboard), and on the outside you immediately recognized the modified Passat B1 by the plastic bumpers, the modified grille, modified sheet metal and the modified front and rear light units. An important - less visible - intervention was the application of a much improved rust prevention. The first series of the Passat B1 was particularly sensitive to corrosion, especially during the first years. Furthermore, the old 1.3 engine (1298 cc) was replaced by the new 1272 cc engine with 60 DIN hp.
Diesel and the arrival of a late top model
Ultimately, the buyer was also given the opportunity to order the Passat with the 1.5 diesel engine from the Golf, the later 1.6 diesel was never delivered in the Passat B1. The Diesel was on the program from 1978, which was also the year that German Passat production moved from Wolfsburg to Emden, sealing European production of the Beetle (except for the 1303 LS Cabriolet built in Osnabrück). In 1979, Volkswagen came up with a surprise. The B2 was already in a fairly advanced stage of development, but VW decided to give the Passat B1 another top model: the GLI with the 1.6 engine from the Golf GTI. This sporty power source with fuel injection and 110 DIN hp.
Million seller
The launch of the surprisingly well-driving GLI was the last innovation that VW applied to the beautifully designed and sympathetic Passat B1. This was replaced (in Europe) during the summer of 1980 by the Passat B2. In total, more than two million Passat B1 units left the factories in Germany and elsewhere. Half of them were equipped with a short boot lid. The other half was neatly divided by the Variant and the Passat B1 models with a third or fifth door. Finally: Volkswagen do Brasil continued to build the Passat B1 until 1988, the production numbers of which are not included in the two million copies mentioned, which also show that not only the Golf made an important contribution to the resurrection of Volkswagen.
After the 411, my father bought an Opel Ascona in between, because he didn't like the K70 and was much too expensive and the 411 was bad, this model Passat 1.3 with the small boot lid in 1974. From day 1, the bitch drank oil and dealer and obviously Pon refused to do anything about it. Would have been run in wrong, which then had to be done with some caution for the first 2500 km, while the Passat was driven quietly. With every service of about 600 km, a liter of oil could be added at some point, with the advantage that oil changes were no longer necessary. When the warranty was over, they were willing to do something about it. Typical for the VW organization then and still. After 2 more Passats in the family / circle of friends had the same problem, the end of practice for VW here at home. After the not the best 411 , this was the 2nd that turned out badly. So seen in this way, oil consumption is something that is very common then and now with the tsi blocks. The model itself was not wrong, otherwise it was downright crap.
Also once had a fastback as an intermediate model because I needed a car. 2 times set on fire by a cover gasket that did not do its job and deposited the preheated oil on the exhaust manifold. Of course I tackled this then and the workhorse took me everywhere without complaining and asking for extra attention. Years later, now burdened with partner 2 children and dog, I ran into a station model again and it again gave the same feeling as the fastback. Unfortunately, the use was ended prematurely by the uncertain factor in the form of a dork who came around the bend with full conviction against the direction. The unjust current value made repair of the certainly more than good Passat not a viable option. Truly a car without unnecessary frills, but with great ease of use and reliability that does what it was made for
My brother once owned a Passat Silverstar 4drs hatchback, 1.6l silver metallic with special striping, 4 headrests, luxurious dark blue velor upholstery, alloy wheels, spoiler, and some other luxury items. Think this was from 1981. Never seen one again until now. I don't know how many were made, in addition to this version there was also a special Silverbug beetle.
Years in a variant diesel driven.
You didn't get fines for not kicking ahead.
Plenty of space, that's for sure.