Classic Volkswagen lines from the late 1970s still pop up at meets and on weekend drives, and 1977 was a year that shows the brand’s practical range—from compact commuters to camper conversions. If you enjoy checking trim and spec differences, this list gives a tidy snapshot of what was available that year.
There are 14 1977 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from Beetle to Type 2 Westfalia Camper. For each model you’ll find below the key details organized as Body style,Markets,Engine options (L), so you can compare what was sold where and with which engines before digging into specifics you’ll find below.
Which models from 1977 were commonly available in North America?
Most Volkswagen models sold in North America in 1977 were the Beetle and variants of the Type 2 (including camper versions), plus the compact Passat/Dasher and K70 in some markets. Availability varied by state and import rules, so check period catalogs or registration records for exact trims.
What engine sizes should I expect to see in the 1977 Volkswagen lineup?
Expect small-displacement engines: air-cooled flat‑fours in Beetles and Type 2s (typically around 1.6–2.0 L in tuned form) and water-cooled inline engines in newer models, with the list below showing exact Engine options (L) per model.
1977 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Body style | Markets | Engine options (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle | sedan/coupe | Worldwide: Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia | 1.2,1.3,1.5,1.6 |
| Super Beetle | sedan | United States, Europe, Australia, Latin America | 1.5,1.6 |
| Type 2 (Transporter/Kombi) | van/pickup/camper | Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia | 1.6 |
| Golf (Mk1) | hatchback | Europe, North America, Australia, Japan | 1.1,1.3,1.5,1.6 |
| Golf GTI | hatchback | Europe, limited exports | 1.6 |
| Scirocco | coupe | Europe, Australia, selected North American markets | 1.4,1.5,1.6 |
| Passat (B1) | sedan/hatchback | Europe, North America (Dasher), Australia | 1.3,1.5,1.6 |
| Passat Variant (estate) | estate/hatchback | Europe, Australia | 1.3,1.5,1.6 |
| Polo (Mk1) | hatchback | Europe, United Kingdom | 0.9,1.1 |
| Derby | sedan | Europe (introduced 1977) | 0.9,1.1 |
| LT | van/truck | Europe, Australia | 2.0,2.4 |
| Type 181 (Thing) | convertible/utility | Europe, Latin America, Mexico | 1.6 |
| Brasília | compact hatchback | Brazil, Latin America | 1.6 |
| Type 2 Westfalia Camper | camper | Europe, North America, Australia | 1.6 |
Images and Descriptions
Beetle
The classic air-cooled Beetle was Volkswagen’s compact icon in 1977, sold worldwide. Simple, reliable rear-engine design with common 1.2–1.6L engines. Highly collectible today, especially unrestored originals and period custom restorations in North America and Europe.
Super Beetle
A 1970s Beetle variant with MacPherson strut front suspension and a larger front trunk, the Super Beetle improved handling over the standard Beetle. Popular in the US and Europe with 1.5–1.6L engines; interesting to collectors for period upgrades.
Type 2 (Transporter/Kombi)
The Type 2 “Bay Window” transporter was Volkswagen’s versatile van and camper in 1977, sold across key markets. Mostly air-cooled 1.6L boxer engines; prized today as campers and restorations, with pickup and camper Westfalia variants common.
Golf (Mk1)
The Mk1 Golf (Rabbit in some markets) was VW’s new front-wheel-drive hatchback staple in 1977. Sold across Europe, North America and beyond with 1.1–1.6L engines. Its practicality launched the modern VW compact lineup and remains highly collectible.
Golf GTI
The original hot hatch, the Golf GTI offered sporty handling and a lively 1.6L engine in 1977. Sold primarily in Europe, it set the performance compact benchmark and is highly sought by collectors worldwide.
Scirocco
The Scirocco coupe, styled by Giugiaro and based on Golf underpinnings, offered sharper styling and spirited engines in 1977. Sold across Europe and other markets with 1.4–1.6L engines; popular with enthusiasts for its sporty character.
Passat (B1)
The Passat B1 was Volkswagen’s midsize hatchback/saloon in 1977, marketed as the Dasher in the US. Widely sold in Europe and beyond with 1.3–1.6L petrol engines. Collectors prize well-preserved estates and period diesels.
Passat Variant (estate)
Estate version of the Passat offered extra practicality in 1977; popular across Europe and Australia. Shared engines with the Passat saloon (1.3–1.6L). Collectible among buyers who value period family estates and original trim.
Polo (Mk1)
The Polo Mk1 was Volkswagen’s small hatchback in 1977, sold mainly in Europe and the UK. Lightweight and economical with 0.9–1.1L engines. Today it’s a niche classic for fans of compact European cars and early VW engineering.
Derby
Introduced in 1977, the Derby was the Polo-based saloon aimed at buyers wanting a small three-box car. Sold across Europe with 0.9–1.1L engines; notable as a low-cost family car and early Polo derivative popular with collectors.
LT
The Volkswagen LT light commercial van and chassis-cab was part of VW’s 1977 commercial range. Sold throughout Europe with 2.0–2.4L petrol and diesel options. Valued today by restorers and tradespeople for robustness and period practicality.
Type 181 (Thing)
The Type 181 “Thing” was Volkswagen’s utilitarian convertible/adventure vehicle sold in 1977. Characterized by simple 1.6L air-cooled engines and removable body panels; it’s a quirky collectible among offbeat VW fans.
Brasília
The Brasília was Volkswagen do Brasil’s compact hatchback sold throughout Brazil and nearby markets in 1977. Using air-cooled engines around 1.6L, it offered simple, affordable transport and now enjoys interest as a regional classic.
Type 2 Westfalia Camper
The Westfalia-converted Type 2 camper was a popular 1977 VW offering in Europe and North America. Equipped with camping interiors and 1.6L air-cooled engines; highly collectible today among vintage camper enthusiasts.
