How to make your Mk1 Rabbit Euro Spec

The VW Rabbit was the name given to the Mk1 Golf in the USA and Canada. It was thought that 'Rabbit' better suited the small and nimble characteristics of their new hatchback and help to distinguish it from the much larger domestic vehicles on offer. 

As with so many things, we often want what we can't have; and so VW enthusiasts in the USA have been making their Rabbits look like European Golfs for years. Want to know what is involved? Read on... 

The VW Golf was launched in Europe in 1974 with round lights and dainty metal bumpers. A year later the Rabbit was introduced to the American and Canadian markets but with impact bumpers and large reflective side markers for safety. By 1978 VW started producing the Rabbit at the Westmoreland Factory in Pennsylvania and replaced the round headlights with square lamps and paired them with turn signals cut into the leading edge of the front fenders. The rear taillamps were also considerably larger too. 

It has become quite common for owners to make their US-spec cars appear like the European versions with round headlamps, smaller bumpers, front fenders without turn signals, and the good news is we can help. Here is what you will need if you wish to convert your Mk1 Rabbit, Rabbit Pick up or Rabbit Cabriolet to European spec. 

Whilst you could get hands-on and modify the front panel that takes square lamps, the recommended approach is to fit a euro-spec Mk1 Golf front panel. This is welded to the chassis legs in the engine bay, and to the inner front fenders too. The Rabbit hood remains the same for US and European models. 

You will be fitting your turn signals into the new euro bumpers, so there is no need to keep the Rabbit fenders fitted. Remove these by undoing the bolts inside the inner arch and along the top of the fender too. This will also get rid of the unsightly side markers at the same time. Find Mk1 Golf fenders online here. 

With the fresh euro-spec front panel in place, you will be able to attach the round headlamps to give your Rabbit the big friendly eyes it deserves! 

To complement the round lamps you will also need to fit the matching radiator grille. These were originally available in either single or double round headlamps, and can be accessorized with a metal trim, either red, black or chrome. You can also source a front grille without the VW emblem, if you prefer a more custom look. 

The difference in size between the US-spec impact bumper and the early (74-78) Metal European bumper is quite big! We offer metal bumpers in a variety of finishes including bare metal, black powder coat, and chrome. 

If you prefer the series 2 look, we can also supply the black plastic bumpers which were fitted to 79-83 tin top cars in the UK, and Cabriolet models through to 1987. These are typically 'black' textured plastic, although some Cabriolet models were supplied with the plastics color-coded.  

Shop euro bumpers here. Don't forget to order new euro turn signals too. 

If you have a US Spec Rabbit with wider rear lamps you'll probably want to shrink those in keeping with the rest of the European look. We can supply tail lights for both Series 1 and Series 2 Golfs. Find euro taillamps online here.

It is well worth noting that although you may be sick and tired of the US Specification parts on your Mk1 Rabbit, there are plenty of enthusiasts in Europe who love the look. So, don't smash it all up, or throw it in the trash. Get it listed online, and you should be able to sell it for good money. Or keep it tucked away at home, in case you ever change your mind. Share your project with us #driveheritage

Best of luck.

Andy