Following a hiatus of three years, Volkswagen is set to make its return to this year’s Techno Classica event from April 12 to 16, highlighting its classic models as a brand with a rich history. The focal point of Volkswagen’s presence in Essen will be the iconic Passat, a vehicle that has stood the test of time for fifty years.
Back in 1973, the Passat marked the beginning of a new era for Volkswagen, representing the start of a significant product campaign. Renowned Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro was initially tasked with creating the design for the new family car, referred to as the EA 272. However, due to budget constraints, Giugiaro’s original design was discarded at the last minute. He then crafted a more pragmatic model, drawing inspiration from the Audi 80 B1, incorporating a sleek hatchback design and a revised front section. The original Passat has since become a design icon, with Giugiaro’s portfolio also including the Scirocco I and Golf I, launched the following year. The debut of the Volkswagen Passat in 1973 introduced a two- and four-door hatchback sedan, later followed by the estate version in January 1974.
Under the theme of “Immer wieder neu” (always reinventing itself), Volkswagen Classic is commemorating the Passat’s anniversary. The Passat has consistently been a vehicle for a lifetime, admired for its well-rounded attributes since its inception. Across eight generations, the Passat has evolved and improved, showcasing innovative design while maintaining its core strengths from generation to generation.
At the Volkswagen Classic exhibit, five vehicles will be on display, each representing the historic roots of the Passat.