Volkswagen Passat (Germany, 1973-1981)

In July 1973, Volkswagen launches the successor to the 1600 and 411 models. A fastback saloon with front-wheel drive and longitudinal in-line engine in front. The engines are water-cooled. This is a novelty, because – with the exception of the K70 – the air-cooled boxer engine in the rear had dominated Volkswagen history until then. Under the bonnet, petrol engines with up to 63 kW / 85 PS guarantee performance.

The first Passat is a weight-optimised car with two or four doors and space for five persons. In terms of engines, customers could choose from three petrol engines in two displacement classes. In February 1974, the new Passat Estate joined the line-up.

In 1977, Volkswagen presented a stylistically and aerodynamically optimised Passat – with a classic facelift of the first generation model. Plastic clad bumpers were to mark their construction from then on; inside, the ergonomics of many components were improved.

In March 1...