“Herbie” was a 1963 Beetle. Disney’s “The Love Bug” was not just a fun-loving story of a car with a human personality but was also an exciting touring-car racing movie full of exotic European cars. In short, it’s a must-see for any VW or racing aficionado. For many, the arrival of the VW Beetle in America in 1963 meant an affordable car with great mileage and a look that was not only endearing, but immensely popular. Initially known as “The People’s Car” – a car capable of carrying two adults and three children at a speed of 62 mph-- and based on Ferdinand Porsche’s 1931 design, the Beetle gave the average family a real car for the price of a motorcycle. For 1963 the “Bug” had a 40 horsepower flat-four connected to a transaxle pushing the car from the rear and was stopped by four drum brakes. It’s interesting to think where vehicle design would be today without the Beetle. The car’s influence is profound and its popularity unceasing, proven by being known as “the best-selling car of all time.”

Like other Volkswagen models of its era—namely the Jetta—the Scirocco derives its name from the wind; in this case, the Mediterranean Sirocco wind, which originates in the Sahara and can reach hurricane speeds in southern Europe. While the stock 1.7-liter 74-horsepower engine that powers the ’81 Scirocco S might not register on the Beaufort scale (the car tops out at a modest 111 mph), the Scirocco S proved to be a worthy replacement for its sports coupe predecessor the Karmann Ghia. The distinctive red VW badge and belt-line moulding set the Scirocco S apart from its standard model counterpart, along with a five-speed transmission, a front spoiler, and light alloy wheels. Visually and performance wise, it’s easy to see why VW customers at the time considered the Scirocco S a breath of fresh air.

You’d probably never guess that this genre-defining German hot hatch was actually built in Pennsylvania. Or that it was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, better known for his eye-popping supercar designs. Or that nestled underneath that Italian-designed sheetmetal are the goods to make it one of the fastest and best-handling cars of any size offered in 1984. The GTI’s corner devouring ways come courtesy of suspension bits adapted from the European Golf GTI that had been romping around the Continent making drivers smile for several years. Underhood, the federalized 1.8-liter motor is powerful enough to chuck the Rabbit forward with authority, and with more meat on the larger alloy wheels snagged from the Volkswagen Quantuum, twisties are dispatched with Germanic precision. The best part is that all of this fun comes from a practical car that is also quite economical. Not that economy is on anyone’s mind as they surprise far more expensive cars on their favorite backroads. That’s the beauty of the Rabbit GTI: it’s a little car full of surprises.

The Golf Gti 16v Mk2 is a staple in the realm of tuners and street racing. It’s light, agile, and is made for upgrades. The Mk2 picks up where the original Gti left off and takes it to the next level. In the world of water-cooled VW’s, driving a Mk2 Gti will get respect whether it’s a work in progress or best in show.

Compact and sturdy form wraps the now legendary VR6 engine in the VW Corrado. This kind of power in a car this size will astound you with its capabilities. The Corrado is comfortable on any surface and is a perfect starting point for an adventure in Forza Motorsport 6.

The R32 is the rarest of Golf breeds and far and away the heartiest performer. What sets it apart is the Haldex all-wheel-drive system and a potent transverse-mounted 3.2-liter V6. While the R32 is no lightweight at 3,350 pounds, it puts its 237 horsepower down to the tarmac a lot differently than its luxurious cousin. Handling is dynamic, thanks to a traction control system that barely makes its presence known, but still manages grip effectively. The V6 is specially tuned for the R32 and develops power in the low end before screaming its own praises near the 6,500 redline. Aesthetically, this Golf borrows from the Porsche 911 and Audi RSs, one of the advantages of Volkswagen being the parent company for sure. The lines are fitting for a car of the R32’s performance and set it apart from its lesser — but still potent — cousins the GTI and standard Golf.

Available only in Europe this could be the sportiest Golf to date. Tons of horsepower from its 2.0 liter turbo make it a kick in the pants when pushed, and it can be pushed all the way up to a governor mandated 155 mph. In essence the Golf R has taken over for the R32 and, being all wheel drive, it can be drifted or driven with civility.

The Scirocco R serves as the platform for race cars in the Scirocco R-Cup, which brings world-famous drivers to the Hockenheim track each year.