When the Golf GTI was launched in 1976, no one could have guessed that the 108bhp Volkswagen, with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and golf ball gear knob, would soon become the world’s most successful compact sports car. Only 5,000 units were planned, but in the first year alone dealers sold 10 times as many. In total, 461,690 first-generation Golf GTI cars were built.

It was the unusual overall package that struck a chord: a highly precise sports car for lonely Alpine passes and, at the same time, a practical companion for every day of the year, extremely economical and instantly a timeless style icon. The price was also a hit: 13,850 Deutschmarks in Germany.

The top speed of 113mph Volkswagen was impressive for the time, with a sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 9.0 seconds; the 1976 Golf GTI left behind numerous sports cars and coupés that were far more expensive.

Way back in 1989, newly married and with a good, salaried job, I was lucky enough to own a brand-new Mk 2 Golf GTI, finished in white. A three-door model, better looking in my opinion, it was super quick and carried us on many weekends away, Hamburg being the furthest we ventured. I recall the thrill of the derestricted autobahn, the speedometer topping 120mph for mile after mile.

However, I also have memories of the non-power-assisted steering, which meant parking manoeuvres required quite a workout. It was an extra at the time, as were central door locking and electric windows. I could afford the car but ticked no boxes on the extensive options list. How times have changed. Fond memories though.

Over the many years of road-testing cars, I have driven all the latest Golf GTI models, and it’s a formula that still works to this day. And to celebrate 50 years of this hot hatch, there is of course a celebratory model, the GTI EDITION 50.

At a recent drive day event at Millbrook Proving Ground, Volkswagen had this model and a variety of other GTI variants for us to drive, but I only had eyes on the shiny silver Mk 1. Driving it would fill a gap in my knowledge, and it was the one version that had eluded me for years.

After our safety briefing, I made a beeline for the Volkswagen stand and had to wait a short while for my drive. The anticipation built. Would it be as good as I hoped? Surely the daddy of all GTIs would be a hoot to drive, so much so that I would be scouring classic car magazines later in the day?

Well, dear reader, I can tell you that my 20 minutes with the car, throwing it around Millbrook’s challenging Alpine Hill Route, was something of a letdown. The Mk1 GTI was a quick car back in the day, but the world has moved on, and now on a diet of super-quick EVs, the Golf felt positively pedestrian.

Of more concern were the brakes. They required such a heavy shove to yield any response that I slowed right down for fear of running out of tarmac. Although in lovely condition, there were many rattles and squeaks from the interior, and the steering felt heavy, though it was more communicative than most cars sold today.

I am so pleased to have at last had a go in an original Golf GTI. The box has been ticked, but I have no desire to own one. A late Mk 2 might be a different story, though. And to leave the good folk at Volkswagen in a happier place, I had a quick drive in their lovely Up! GTI. I had forgotten just how good these cars are.

Powered by a peppy 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, performance is similar to the early Golf. Some say this car is the spiritual successor, and it is easy to see why. Responsive power steering, great brakes and superb handling meant I could attack the Millbrook route with some gusto and return the car to its maker with a big grin on my face.

Meeting your automotive heroes is one thing; driving them is quite another. So, if you fancy a Mk 1 Golf GTI, buy an Up! GTI instead.

You heard it here first!