The Quirky World of Günter Artz: Volkswagen’s Hidden Gem

Hello, fellow Volkswagen enthusiasts! My name is Lexie, and I’m here to take you on a wild ride through the fascinating and innovative world of Günter Artz and his remarkable creations at Autohaus Nordstadt, at the request of my Uncle Steve. But first, if you have any questions or just want to chat about Volkswagens, feel free to reach out to me at lexie@mankatomotors.com or call (507) 344-6984. Now, buckle up as we delve into the unique legacy of Artz and Nordstadt.

Who Was Günter Artz?

In the 1970s and 1980s, Günter Artz, the ingenious director of Hannover’s Volkswagen dealer Autohaus Nordstadt, took the world by storm with his extraordinary automotive creations. Artz’s vision was anything but ordinary, and his special projects have become the stuff of legend among car enthusiasts and collectors.

Volkswagen Golf Mk1: A Revolutionary Model 

The Volkswagen Golf Mk1, the first generation of a small family car, marked a significant shift for Volkswagen from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines. This revolutionary design paved the way for the incredible modifications by Günter Artz.

The Nordstadt Golf by Artz: The Super Rabbit/ Golf 928

Imagine this: a Porsche 928 disguised as a Volkswagen Golf Mk1. Sounds like something out of a mad scientist’s lab, right? Well, that’s precisely what the Golf 928 by Artz, also known as the Super Rabbit, was. Built in 1979, this beast featured a custom body styled after the Mk1 Golf, widened by approximately 9 inches and lengthened to fit the Porsche chassis. With a 240 bhp engine, it could go from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and had a top speed of 230 km/h. Depending on who you ask or where you look only around 2-10 of these marvels were ever made, making them rare gems in the automotive world. 

Artz Speedster: The Cool Convertible

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Artz turned his attention to the Golf Cabriolet. The result? The Artz Speedster, a sleek convertible with a roofline lowered by nearly 4 inches. This stylish modification required custom glass windows and a unique convertible top. Only around ten of these beauties were produced, making them a rare sight.

The Artz Cabrio and SuperCabrio: Jetta on 

Artz didn’t stop at the Golf. He transformed the humble two-door Jetta into the Artz Cabrio and SuperCabrio. The Cabrio retained the donor car’s B-pillar, while the SuperCabrio went for a cleaner look by eliminating it. These convertibles showcased Artz’s knack for turning ordinary cars into extraordinary head-turners.

The Famous Golf 928 for Racing Driver Louis Krages

Artz’s creativity knew no bounds. He built a second Golf 928, this time based on the more powerful Porsche 928 S. This special car was bought by Louis Krages, a Le Mans 24-hour race winner who drove under the pseudonym ‘John Winter’. Though Artz envisioned producing more of these masterpieces, only one is believed to have been produced.

The Artz Speedster for Kamei

In 1982, Artz’s talent was recognized by German automotive accessories company Kamei, which commissioned two Artz Speedsters to promote their new X1 body kits. These cars, one painted gold and the other silver, highlighted Artz’s ability to blend style with performance.

More Than Just Golf: The Cordett and Beyond

Artz’s genius wasn’t limited to Volkswagens. He applied his magic touch to various other cars, including the Cordett, which combined the chassis and drivetrain of a 1984 Corvette C4 with a widened and lengthened Opel Kadett body. This unique creation boasted a top speed of 245 kph and a 0-100 kph time of 6.5 seconds.

Why Celebrate Artz and Nordstadt?

Günter Artz and his team at Autohaus Nordstadt exemplify the innovative spirit that Volkswagen enthusiasts adore. Their willingness to push boundaries and create something truly unique reflects the heart of what makes the Volkswagen brand so special.

Whether you’re a fan of classic Volkswagens or just love a good automotive tale, Artz’s creations are sure to inspire. So, next time you’re behind the wheel of your Volkswagen, remember the legacy of Günter Artz and the extraordinary vehicles that dared to be different.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or to share your own Volkswagen stories at lexie@mankatomotors.com or call (507) 344-6984. Keep driving and dreaming big, Volkswagen fans!

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