THE Volkswagen Golf GTI is the world's most successful compact sports car and in 2026 it's turning 50.

More than 2.5 million units have been produced to date and to mark the occasion VW will be staging a variety of national and international classic events as well as revealing the exclusive anniversary model Golf GTI Edition 50 and staging the world premiere of the first all-electric GTI.

When the Golf GTI was launched in 1976, no one could have guessed that the 110ps Volkswagen, with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and golf ball gear knob, would soon become the world's most successful compact sports car.

Only 5,000 units were planned, but in the first year alone dealers sold 10 times as many vehicles. In total, 461,690 first-generation Golf GTI cars were built.

The price was also a hit - 13,850 Deutschmarks in Germany - about £5,500. The GTI Edition 50 will cost from around £45,000.

The media spoke of the democratisation of the sports car. And indeed, the performance of the 113mph Volkswagen was impressive with a sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 9.0 seconds, the 1976 Golf GTI left behind numerous sports cars and coupés that were easily much more expensive.

The fact is today, when people say GTI, they mean Volkswagen.

The crowning glory of this world-famous product brand in the anniversary year 2026 is the Golf GTI Edition 50 - the most powerful production Golf GTI to date, pumping out 325ps.

The first five decades of GTI will be the focus of various major classic events in2026. The celebrations kick off from January 28 to February 1 in Paris atRetromobile.

The classic car show at the Port de Versailles will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2026, just like the Golf GTI.

Almost simultaneously, the first German show for classic vehicles begins in the Hanseatic city of Bremen: - the Bremen ClassicMotorshow - which runs to February 2.

Both shows are not only the opening events for the European classic season 2026, but also for the GTI year 2026.