Volkswagen’s modern era began with the 1973 Passat. It was based on the Audi 80, whose front and rear sections were redesigned by Giorgio Giugiaro.

The vehicle shown with chassis number 2 is now the oldest series-produced Passat in the world.

Initially, the Passat was available as a two- or four-door model with a small tailgate; from 1975, a rear tailgate extending up to the roof was available as an alternative. The Variant had already been added in January 1974. By the end of 1976, the first million Passat had been produced.