Volkswagen K70 (1970 - 1974)

Introduction

Had history turned a different way at the end of the 1960s, and Volkswagen hadn't bought NSU and Audi, then the giant from Wolfsburg as we know it today may well not have been with us today. It was these two companies that introduced front-wheel drive technology to Volkswagen - leading us to the 1974 Golf. And the rest as they say, is history.

However it's the often-overlooked K70 that remains significant in Volkswagen's history for being its first FWD car. It was developed by NSU and was to be launched as the K70 - but within weeks of its introduction, Volkswagen saw its significance, and rebranded it as its own. The boxy saloon was designed to be the Ro80's smaller brother, and the resemblance is plain to see. It was a relatively poor seller by Volkswagen standards but, in the classic market, the K70 has picked up a small yet enthusiastic following.