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Conceived in the 1930s, and eventually put into mass production by a British army officer after the war. Mechanically not that remarkable, but the rear-engined, air-cooled Love Bug remained in production for more than 50 years. With some 21.5 million made, it's been one of the world's most popular cars ever.
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A landmark car on every level, the 1970s Golf GTI turned the concept of the hot hatch into a cultural icon, as well as giving the term 'GTi' mythic status. Like the 205 GTi, it is still an outstanding drivers' car today.
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The vehicle that represents freedom and the open road for millions; instantly recognisable, the Kombi, camper van or Magic Bus remains desirable for families, single surfers and general itinerants alike. Such a shame the new one's been delayed...
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A glorious piece of stealthy anti-snobbery, the Phaeton is one of the most luxurious and spacious luxury cars on the road, but with a VW badge on the nose, people just think it's a big Passat. Sensational performance from the enormously torquey V10 diesel engine.
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Like the Phaeton V10, from the what-were-they-thinking-of file. Take one ordinary saloon, install a mad twin-turbo engine and a chassis by Lotus. Result? The then fastest saloon car on the planet. Just short of 180mph, since you ask.
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When Vauxhall rolled out a Cavalier-based coupé that looked like this yet still had four decent seats and a boot, the motoring world took note. As did paying punters. Democracy in action.
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One of the first cars specifically developed with safety as a key part of the package. Pioneered items such as padded dashboards and three-point seatbelts, and was a successful rally car, too.
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Established the Volvo style: big, boxy and bluff, and with function dictating form. Absolutely indestructible, helped build Volvo's rep for safety and strength, and named as 'the safest car in the world' in the US where it easily exceeded all federal requirements.
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