1975 Volkswagen Golf Group 2 Racing
- Engine
- 1.8L inline-four OHC with twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, ~175 bhp
- Colour
- Bright red
This bright red Volkswagen Golf is claimed to be the world's first purpose-built racing Golf, prepared by Rolf Nothelle and publicly debuted at Zolder, Belgium, in early 1975. Running in Group 2 trim, it achieved a first-place finish at Hockenheimring with Bernd Lilier driving. After a reshelling following accident damage around 1979–1980, the car was comprehensively restored in 2011 by Marcus Nothelle on behalf of Volkswagen AG and publicly displayed at Techno Classica Essen in 2012. It is FIA-recognised as authentic by the Nothelle company.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €93,500 (≈ $103K)
- 1975 →Factory deliveryRolf Nothellepartial documentation
Builder and original owner of the car; introduced it at Zolder in early 1975 and campaigned it in competition. The car suffered accident damage around 1979-1980 and was reshelled by the Nothelle company to original specifications.
- 2011 →Acquisition unknownVolkswagen AGpartial documentation
Commissioned Marcus Nothelle and his firm to carry out a full restoration; the car was subsequently shown publicly at Techno Classica Essen in restored condition in March 2012.
Competition
- 1975Zolder debut eventDriver: Rolf Nothelle
First public appearance of the car, introduced by Rolf Nothelle at the Zolder circuit in Belgium early in 1975.
- 1975Hockenheimring grand prix circuit raceDriver: Bernd Lilier1st
Shortly after the Zolder debut, the car took first place at Hockenheimring with Bernd Lilier driving.
- 2012-03-01Techno Classica Essen
Car was displayed to the public in fully restored condition following the 2011 rebuild by Marcus Nothelle on behalf of Volkswagen AG.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2011RestorationMarcus Nothelle
Full restoration carried out by Marcus Nothelle's company on behalf of Volkswagen AG, returning the car to its original competition appearance and specification.
The restored car was subsequently exhibited at Techno Classica Essen in March 2012.
- —ModificationNothelle
Engine upgraded from the original 1,598 cc unit to a 1.8-litre four-cylinder producing approximately 175 bhp, equipped with dual Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, contactless ignition, BBS wheels, Uniball suspension, and a racing brake setup with four-piston front and two-piston rear callipers. Re-homologated to reflect the new specification.
This 1.8-litre configuration is the state in which the car currently exists.
- —RepairNothelle
Following an accident around 1979–1980, the body was replaced with a rust-free Golf shell that was subsequently reinforced for motorsport use to the same structural specification as the original.
Work was performed by the Nothelle company itself, which as the recognised FIA manufacturer could verify the car's ongoing authenticity.
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