If you enjoy classic cars or are researching mid-1970s European models, Volkswagen’s 1976 lineup is a great place to start — it shows how the brand balanced simple mechanics with varied uses, from personal compact cars to light commercial vehicles. The models still pop up at shows, in restored form, and in practical daily-driver circles.
There are 13 1976 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from the Beetle to the Type 2 (Transporter / Bus). For each model the entries list Body style,Engine (cc / hp),Market/Region to help you compare versions — you’ll find below.
Are regional differences and engine variations noted in the list?
Yes. The list highlights the primary variants and typical engine displacements/hp offered in 1976 for each market, so you can spot differences between European, North American, and other-region specs; very rare special editions may require deeper, model-specific research.
How can I use the Body style,Engine (cc / hp),Market/Region columns to identify a specific car?
Start with body style to narrow the family, match the engine (cc and hp) to get the likely engine code or period badge, and check Market/Region to account for equipment and emissions changes — combining those with VIN/chassis info will give the best identification.
1976 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Body style | Engine (cc / hp) | Market/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle | 2-door sedan | 1,200cc / 34 hp or 1,600cc / 50 hp | Global (excluding US) |
| Super Beetle Convertible | 2-door convertible | 1,600cc / 50 hp | US, Europe |
| Golf / Rabbit | 3/5-door hatchback | 1,100cc / 50 hp or 1,500cc / 70 hp | Global |
| Golf GTI | 3-door hatchback | 1,600cc / 110 hp | Europe |
| Scirocco | 3-door sports coupe | 1,500cc / 70 hp or 1,600cc / 85 hp | Global |
| Passat / Dasher | 2/4-door sedan, 3/5-door hatchback, 5-door wagon | 1,500cc / 75 hp or 1,600cc / 78 hp | Global |
| Polo | 3-door hatchback | 900cc / 40 hp or 1,100cc / 50 hp | Europe |
| Type 2 (Transporter / Bus) | Van, Kombi, Minibus | 1,600cc / 50 hp or 2,000cc / 70 hp | Global |
| Type 2 (Pickup) | Single or double cab pickup truck | 1,600cc / 50 hp or 2,000cc / 70 hp | Global |
| Type 181 (Kurierwagen) | 4-door open-top utility vehicle | 1,600cc / 48 hp | Europe, Mexico |
| Brasília | 3/5-door hatchback | 1,600cc / 65 hp | Brazil, Latin America |
| SP2 | 2-door sports coupe | 1,700cc / 75 hp | Brazil, limited export |
| LT (Passenger Van) | Van / Minibus | 2,000cc / 75 hp (petrol) or 2,700cc / 65 hp (diesel) | Europe |
Images and Descriptions
Beetle
The iconic “people’s car” continued its legendary run. While German production was winding down, it remained a bestseller in markets like Brazil and Mexico, symbolizing affordable, reliable, and simple transportation for millions.
Super Beetle Convertible
The last Beetle variant officially sold in the US, the Super Beetle Convertible was the final air-cooled VW offered there. It featured a curved windshield and modern MacPherson strut front suspension, offering a fun, open-air driving experience.
Golf / Rabbit
Marketed as the Rabbit in North America, the Golf was VW’s revolutionary water-cooled, front-wheel-drive successor to the Beetle. Its practical hatchback design, efficiency, and fun-to-drive nature set a new standard for compact cars worldwide.
Golf GTI
Launched in mid-1976, the Golf GTI invented the “hot hatch” segment. By combining the standard Golf’s practicality with a fuel-injected engine and sport-tuned suspension, it delivered accessible performance that challenged more expensive sports cars.
Scirocco
A stylish 2+2 coupe based on the Golf platform, the Scirocco featured a sharp, Italian design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It offered a sportier driving experience and a more aggressive look than its practical hatchback sibling.
Passat / Dasher
Sold as the Dasher in North America, the Passat was VW’s modern mid-size family car. Sharing its platform with the Audi 80, it offered front-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and a range of practical body styles.
Polo
As VW’s entry into the supermini class, the Polo was a rebadged version of the Audi 50. It was praised for its high build quality, fuel efficiency, and remarkable interior space for such a small car.
Type 2 (Transporter / Bus)
The second-generation “Bay Window” bus was a cultural icon known for its versatility. It served as everything from a commercial workhorse to the famous Westfalia camper van, the definitive vehicle for road trips and adventure.
Type 2 (Pickup)
A utilitarian variant of the Type 2, the pickup offered unique functionality with its rear-engine layout and fold-down bedsides. The double cab version was especially practical, providing seating for up to six people plus cargo capacity.
Type 181 (Kurierwagen)
Known as the “Thing” in the US (where sales ended in 1974), production continued elsewhere, mainly for military contracts. This rugged, Beetle-based vehicle was a minimalist and functional utility car designed for durability and simplicity.
Brasília
A uniquely Brazilian VW, the Brasília combined the Beetle’s reliable air-cooled mechanics with a more practical and modern hatchback body. It was designed specifically for Brazilian road conditions and became a massive sales success locally.
SP2
1976 was the final year for this stunning Brazilian-designed sports car. Built on a Type 3 chassis, its sleek, low-slung body is considered one of VW’s most beautiful designs, making it a highly sought-after classic today.
LT (Passenger Van)
The “Load Transporter” was VW’s first modern large van, and passenger versions offered far more space than the Type 2. The LT’s conventional front-engine, rear-drive layout made it a direct competitor to the Ford Transit.
