Classic of the month
Audi 50
A classic of our Zeithaus museum is the Audi 50, an innovative subcompact that shook the automotive world in 1974. Come and take a close look at the iconic subcompact and learn more about the innovations that went into its design and engineering.
A milestone in automotive history
Considered a milestone in automotive history, the Audi 50 set the standard as the first German subcompact with a front-mounted transverse four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The subcompact was the first in its class to pack family-sized functionality and comfort with a large tailgate and refined driving experience in this compact size, leading the way for future small hatches.
Audi 50 production at the Wolfsburg plant began in 1974. Volkswagen then began series production of the Polo in 1975 – technically identical, the Polo was less opulent in its standard equipment compared to the Audi and featured a 40 bhp engine in the base models. There was no successor to the Audi 50, but the Polo found a firm place within the Volkswagen product range. Around 181,000 Audi 50s in total rolled off the production line between 1974 and 1978.
Technical specifications of the Audi 50 model on display at the ZeitHaus museum: Inline-four engine, front-wheel drive, 1,093 cc displacement, 44 kW/60 bhp at 6,000 rpm, 152 km/h top speed, 8,510 DM ex-showroom price new for the 60 bhp GL version.