Softcover Book Sutton's Photographic History Of Transport - VW Golf - Laurence Meredith

The book VW Golf by Laurence Meredith, part of Sutton’s Photographic History of Transport series, is a pictorial history published in 1999. It traces the Golf’s development from its 1974 launch through its evolution into one of the world’s most successful small cars.

 Key Details

• Title: VW Golf (Sutton’s Photographic History of Transport)

• Author: Laurence Meredith (motoring historian, specialist in VW and Porsche)

• Publisher: Sutton Publishing Ltd (UK)

• Publication Date: 1999 (First Edition)

• Format: Softcover, 156 pages

• ISBN: 9780750923149

• Series: Sutton’s Photographic History of Transport – a series of pictorial histories of iconic vehicles.

 Content Overview

• Origins: Covers the Golf’s conception in the early 1970s as VW’s successor to the Beetle.

• Golf Mk1 (1974–1983): The original hatchback design, including the revolutionary Golf GTI that defined the “hot hatch” segment.

• Golf Mk2 (1983–1991): Improved refinement, safety, and performance.

• Golf Mk3 (1991–1997): Introduction of VR6 engines, airbags, and modern styling.

• Golf Mk4 (1997–2003): Early coverage of VW’s push into premium territory.

• Photography: Features rare and previously unseen images, factory shots, advertising material, and enthusiast cars.

• Analysis: Explains how the Golf became a global success, balancing economy, practicality, and performance.

Historical Context

• The Golf was VW’s most important post-Beetle model, ensuring the company’s survival and success.

• Laurence Meredith’s book is praised for combining accessible narrative with strong visual documentation, making it both a collector’s item and a useful reference.

• It sits alongside other Sutton photographic histories (e.g., VW Bus, VW Beetle) as part of a series documenting VW’s most iconic vehicles.