Wolfsburg: Cars, Engines, and Sprints: 50 Years of the Golf GTI
Hans-Joachim "Strietzel" Stuck Becomes GTI Ambassador for the Autostadt in Wolfsburg: The Motorsport Legend and the Autostadt Celebrate the Golf GTI’s Anniversary Year
May 7, 2026: 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM—an autograph session with Hans-Joachim Stuck; 4:30 PM—an expert discussion on "50 Years of the GTI" in the Volkswagen Pavilion... followed by dialogue formats, media activities, and even participation in a rally behind the wheel of a vintage Golf GTI Mk1 (ENGLISH, ITALIANO, FRANÇAIS, DEUTSCH, NEDERLANDS)
Wolfsburg. As we reported in February, the Volkswagen Golf GTI turns fifty years old in 2026. To mark this GTI anniversary, the Autostadt in Wolfsburg has secured a special "ambassador": Hans-Joachim "Strietzel" Stuck, a figure who helped shape the landscape of German motorsport. A racing legend, he will appear at several selected events throughout the anniversary year to serve as a discussion partner and eyewitness to history. Motorsport icon Hans-Joachim Stuck is a passionate GTI driver and vintage car enthusiast: "I am delighted to help celebrate this special anniversary in my role as the Autostadt’s GTI Ambassador. I’m sure I’ll be stopping by Wolfsburg in my own Golf GTI Mk1 at some point, too."
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| Golf VII GTI at the "Autotage München" auto show – Press photo: Helga Waess (Archiv) |
Edith Gerhardt, Chairwoman of the Management Board of Autostadt GmbH:
"50 Years of GTI—at the Autostadt, we are bringing this milestone to life through moments that truly move people. Hans-Joachim Stuck is the ideal ambassador for this anniversary: authentic, engaging, and brimming with enthusiasm for the Golf GTI."
The collaboration with Stuck kicks off on May 7th with an expert discussion in the Volkswagen Pavilion at the Autostadt—starting at 4:30 p.m.
Prior to this: An autograph session with Hans-Joachim Stuck will take place at 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the "Home of GTI" within the Volkswagen Pavilion.
Under the theme "Car, Engine, and Sprint: 50 Years of Golf GTI," "Strietzel" Stuck and Dieter Landenberger, Head of Volkswagen Heritage, will explore the fascinating history of the GTI starting at 4:30 p.m. They will take a look back at the first advertising campaigns from the 1970s, while also sharing personal memories and exciting anecdotes from their private lives and motorsport careers.
Immediately preceding the discussion, an autograph session with Hans-Joachim Stuck will be held between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the "Home of GTI" within the Volkswagen Pavilion.
Both the autograph session and the subsequent expert discussion are free of charge for holders of a day ticket or an "Autostadt Key."
Throughout the GTI anniversary year, Hans-Joachim "Strietzel" Stuck will also represent the Autostadt in Wolfsburg at selected automotive events.
Classic Car Rally
– Salzburger-Land-Klassik –
September 17 to 19, 2026
The rally driver’s participation in the "Salzburger-Land-Klassik" classic car rally—taking place from September 17 to 19, 2026—has already been confirmed; at this event, Stuck will compete on behalf of the Autostadt.
Under the motto "Home of GTI," the Autostadt Wolfsburg opened a new meeting point for GTI fans in 2026, thereby celebrating the 50th anniversary of the sporty Golf.
Golf GTI EDITION 50 versus Golf I GTI: Within the Autostadt’s themed exhibition areas, visitors can find both the very first and the current iteration of the sporty Golf. Golf GTI fans are sure to be thrilled. In this GTI anniversary year, the Volkswagen Pavilion shines bright with both models on display. For many, this may come as an early Christmas surprise, as a great number of VW enthusiasts hold a deep affection for the Golf. With the "Home of GTI," the Autostadt in Wolfsburg is establishing a new hotspot dedicated to both the first-generation model and the current Golf GTI EDITION 50. This classic GTI—showcased through the lens of time—is bound to evoke fond memories for many.
