As you know, the Volkswagen Type 1 came in numerous forms. The first and second digits of the chassis number (after 1965) gave the VW 'model' or 'type' code:
11 = Beetle
13 = Superbug (after 1973)
14 = Karmann Ghia
15 = Beetle Cabrio
18 = Thing, Kurierwagen
19 = Australian-manufactured Beetle (1965-67)
When the Golf 1 came along in 1974, it was also a VW 'Type 1'. Its model code was Type 17. When the VIN numbering system replaced the old chassis numbers in 1980, the Golf had '17' in digits 7 and 8. The Golf was still a VW 'Type 1'.
This continued on through the later Golf generations:
Golf 1 - Type 17
Golf 2 - Type 19, later Type 1G
Golf 3 - Type 1H
Golf 4 - Type 1J
Golf 5 - Type 1K
Golf 6 - Type 1K
With the latest Golf 7 however, this series comes to a close. According to digits 7 & 8 of its VIN, it's now a Type AU. The Golf is no longer a Volkswagen Type 1.
The Eos was a Type 1F but has been discontinued; likewise the New Beetle Cabrio was a Type 1Y but it is also no longer made. The only surviving Type 1 is now the Scirocco (1C). But I suspect it will be recoded when it is redesigned next year.
That would be the end of an era.
Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds
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