Volkswagen's See-Golf: The Convertible Car That Floats from Wolfsburg

In 1983, Volkswagen unveiled a unique driving and floating experiment, neither a production car nor a concept vehicle, that would captivate the automotive world: the Sea Golf. This watercraft, with its technologically fascinating design, remains a fascinating piece of automotive history and can be admired at the AutoMuseum Volkswagen in Wolfsburg.

The idea for the Sea Golf was developed by Volkswagen, although no specific individual is credited in the provided sources. The concept was not entirely new, as the Type 166 Schwimmwagen had proven the potential of a waterproof VW in the military context of World War II.

The Sea Golf was powered by an Oettinger-modified 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of around 150 hp (110 kW). Unique to the Sea Golf was its hydromechanical pontoon system and propeller, which allowed it to navigate both land and water.

The Sea Golf made its debut at the GTI meeting at Wörthersee in 1983, and it is considered the most eccentric contribution of Volkswagen's research in the early 1980s. Despite its novelty, the Sea Golf was not practical for everyday use.

The myth of the waterproof VW body was further testified by advertisements like the legendary ad from Doyle Dane Bernbach in the 1960s and a TV spot from 1972. The Sea Golf embodied this myth, demonstrating that Volkswagen's commitment to waterproof engineering was not just a marketing ploy.

Today, the Sea Golf stands as a testament to Volkswagen's innovative spirit and their willingness to push the boundaries of automotive design. Visitors to the AutoMuseum Volkswagen in Wolfsburg can witness this fascinating piece of automotive history firsthand.