South Africa's been producing Volkswagen Citi Golfs since 1984, and has since that date made about 377,000 of the little beasts. The last Citi Golf Mk1 rolled off the production line on 2 November 2009, and while it's a dream come true for many who dislike these old cars, it's the end of an era for many people who love them.
The Citi Golf became something of a cult car in South Africa. It seems like those who've owned one have fallen in love with the car, and talk fondly of memories that they've shared with this vehicle. If you were to ask current and past owners for a single word to describe the car I think the most frequently used word would be "dependable".
To celebrate the Citi Golf, and commemorate the many years of production, Volkswagen took this car (the last one to come off the production line) on a tour of South Africa, inviting fans of the brand to leave a short message and signature on the bodywork.
Wherever in the country this Golf went, fans were sure to follow, standing in long queues to get a chance to make their mark on the car. Indeed, it's the end of an era, and although production has now stopped, I assure you that based on morning rush-hour traffic it seems as though there are still around 377,000 of them on the road! Farewell Mk1! :)
See a few more photos of the signing of the Citi in our photo album.
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Jonathan Carter
Man I’m so bummed I missed it. I got my dates mixed up and thought it was on the Sunday. I had two Citi Golfs before and they both gave me excellent service. They were very trustworthy but they are majorly lacking in safety features and the time has really come to come to an end.
Goodbye Citi!
momcat
My first car was a Golf not a Citi because this was 23 years ago. It was reliable and spacious and economical. Sad to see it end. I really don’t think much of the new-shaped little cars these days. I am still driving a VW Fox and I had a Beetle before.
Lydon
We’ll mess the dear legend =(
marique
um still driving my citi golf chico. i still have a long way with. um sad 2 hear that its coming to and end
Paul
Post authorMarique, it’s safe to say that there are plenty of parts out there, so your Chico could keep going for many years still! :)
Johno
what is replaceing it ?
Paul
Post authorJohno… with any luck it’ll be a BMW. (As you may guess, I’m not much of a VW fan ;) )
ALAN WEEKS
I’M VERY SAD TO HEAR THIS I HAVE A CITI IN ENGLAND I IMPORTED IT IN 2003(LAST ORIGINAL DASH I THINK) WILL BE VERY SADLY MISSED BY THOSE IN THE KNOW IN THE UK . ANY IDEAL HOW LONG PARTS WILL BE AROUND.
LOVE TO ALL OWNERS AROUND THE WORLD
Paul
Post authorAlan, there are so many Citi Golfs in South Africa that I’d be hard pressed to think that they will stop manufacturing parts for the vehicles. And, even if VW stops this I’m sure pirate manufacturers will continue to do so. And, even if they also stop, I guarantee you that there are so many about that you’d have an almost inexhaustible supply of second-hand parts. :)
kamakia
i bought one golf 1.4….second hand. where do i get old spares like front lights, front bumber and grille?
Paul
Post authorI’d try a scrap yard Kamakia. I’m not sure which area you’re in so unfortunately I can’t help much more than this.
Jonathan Carter
@kamakia depends where you are. try Goldwagen, they’re quite good.
hugo
i got a limited mk1 and it has safety features..1 airbag!