Home Cars Rarest Volkswagens You Never Know Existed

Cars

Rarest Volkswagens You Never Know Existed

Vukasin Herbez December 19, 2024

Volkswagen’s model lineup is well-known worldwide. The VW Beetle (the classic one) was one of the most popular cars ever produced, with over 20 million examples. Other VW models also enjoyed much success and high-volume production numbers. However, some Volkswagen models are scarce and unknown even to the most knowledgeable enthusiasts. Here are the 20 Volkswagens you might not know.

KDF Wagen

The KDF Wagen, or Strength Through Joy Car, was the predecessor to the Volkswagen Beetle. It was designed by Ferdinand Porsche and was intended to be an affordable car for German families during the 1930s. Due to World War II, only a few KDF Wagen models were produced before production shifted to military vehicles like the Kübelwagen. Fewer than 700 units of the civilian KDF Wagen were made, making it a sought-after collector’s item.

NEXT >>

Karmann Ghia Type 34

The Karmann Ghia Type 34 was an elegant and sporty coupe introduced in 1961. It was larger and more luxurious than the original Karmann Ghia but used the same Type 3 platform. Unfortunately, it was more expensive than comparable cars, leading to low sales. Approximately 42,500 units were made between 1961 and 1969, and many have been lost.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen 181

Known in the U.S. as “The Thing,” the Volkswagen 181 was initially developed for military use before being sold to the public. Its rugged design and removable doors made it a versatile and quirky addition to VW’s lineup. Over 140,000 units were built between 1968 and 1983, but its military origins and unique features keep it rare.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Golf Country

Golf Country 001 — Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Golf Country was a lifted, off-road version of the Golf Mk2 introduced in 1990. It was ahead of its time as a factory crossover, featuring all-wheel drive, raised suspension, and skid plates. Only 7,735 units were produced, primarily for European markets.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Golf Rally

The Golf Rally was a high-performance homologation special built for rally racing in the late 1980s. It featured a supercharged G60 engine, Syncro all-wheel drive, and flared bodywork. Fewer than 5,000 units were produced between 1989 and 1990, making it a highly collectible model.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Passat W8

Volkswagen introduced the Passat W8 as a luxury sedan featuring an innovative W8 engine. While it offered impressive performance, its high price and niche appeal limited its success. Only around 11,000 units were made between 2001 and 2004.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Golf G60

1989 Volkswagen Vw Golf G60 Limited 00002 — Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Golf G60 featured a supercharged G-Lader engine that delivered an impressive performance for its time. Introduced as a special edition in the early 1990s, it served as a precursor to modern hot hatches. Fewer than 7,000 units of the Golf G60 Limited were produced.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Golf Harlequin

The Golf Harlequin was a colorful and quirky limited edition of the Mk3 Golf. Each car featured panels painted in four colors, creating a patchwork appearance. Only 264 units were officially built in 1995, making it one of the rarest Golfs ever made.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Phaeton W12

The Phaeton was Volkswagen’s attempt to enter the luxury market, and the W12 version was its crown jewel. It featured a 6.0L W12 engine and exquisite craftsmanship but struggled to compete with established luxury brands. The W12 variant was produced in very limited numbers, with fewer than 2,000 units sold worldwide.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

The Touareg V10 TDI was a diesel-powered SUV with a massive 5.0L V10 engine that delivered incredible torque and performance. Despite its capabilities, the V10 TDI was short-lived due to emissions regulations and its high price. Around 5,000 units were produced globally, making it a rare find today.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Iltis

Yercjiy51hunidf8113icon I7awo6j7dduetmwof1em79azoiemiqzvg35mbzc5 9wozcotonnhenq7 Dqaw — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Iltis was a military-focused off-road vehicle developed in the late 1970s. It served as a precursor to the Audi Quattro system and was also used in the Paris-Dakar Rally. Approximately 9,000 units were made between 1978 and 1988, primarily for military use.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Beetle RSi

The Beetle RSi was a high-performance, limited-edition version of the New Beetle. It featured a 3.2L VR6 engine, all-wheel drive, and aggressive styling. Only 250 units were produced between 2001 and 2003.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen K70

NSU originally designed the K70 before Volkswagen acquired the company. It was the brand’s first water-cooled, front-engine, front-wheel-drive car. A maximum of 210,000 units were built between 1970 and 1975, making it a rare sight today.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen XL1

1386265566000 Db2013au00161 Large.jpg — Photo Credit: VW

The XL1 was a futuristic diesel-electric hybrid designed to achieve exceptional fuel efficiency. Its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design made it one of the most fuel-efficient cars ever produced. Only 250 units were built between 2013 and 2016.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen SP2

The SP2 was a sports coupe developed and sold exclusively in Brazil. Its sleek design contrasted with its modest air-cooled engine, making it a stylish yet underpowered vehicle. Approximately 10,200 units were produced between 1972 and 1976.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Golf R32

The Golf R32 was a performance-oriented version of the Mk4 Golf, featuring a 3.2L VR6 engine and all-wheel drive. It was the first production car to use Volkswagen’s DSG transmission. Around 12,000 units were made for the global market in 2002.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen GTI TCR

2020 Volkswagen Golf Gti Tcr Specs — Photo Credit: Evo

The GTI TCR is a track-focused version of the Golf GTI designed to honor Volkswagen’s success in touring car racing. It features a 2.0L turbocharged engine and numerous performance upgrades. The production is limited to just 3,500 units globally.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen T-Roc Convertible

Vw T Roc Cabriolet 2019 — Photo Credit: VW

The T-Roc Convertible is a rare compact SUV with a soft-top roof. It blends the versatility of an SUV with the fun of a convertible. While exact numbers are unclear, its niche appeal and short production run make it a rare model.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Nardo W12

Volkswagen W12 Syncro 4 — Photo Credit: VW

The Nardo W12 was a concept car that set speed records in the early 2000s. While it never reached production, it demonstrated Volkswagen’s engineering capabilities and influenced the design of the Bugatti Veyron. Only a few prototypes were built, making it one of the rarest Volkswagens ever.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Bora VR5

The Bora VR5 was a unique sedan featuring a five-cylinder engine. It was only available in select markets, including Europe, and remains a rare configuration. Production numbers were limited, as the VR5 engine was eventually phased out in favor of other configurations.

<< Previous

Rarest Volkswagens You Never Know Existed

KDF Wagen

Karmann Ghia Type 34

Volkswagen 181

Volkswagen Golf Country

Volkswagen Golf Rally

Volkswagen Passat W8

Volkswagen Golf G60

Volkswagen Golf Harlequin

Volkswagen Phaeton W12

Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Volkswagen Iltis

Volkswagen Beetle RSi

Volkswagen K70

Volkswagen XL1

Volkswagen SP2

Volkswagen Golf R32

Volkswagen GTI TCR

Volkswagen T-Roc Convertible

Volkswagen Nardo W12

Volkswagen Bora VR5

POPULAR