Andrew Grebneff wrote:
>
> L is VW's designaton for the most basic model. The series
1 Golf L
> (1973-197x) was a stripper 1.1-liter.
> A GL is an upmarket version.

Hi Andrew,

Good to make contact again!

The L was not the basic model Golf.  In Europe, there was a
base model with no suffix, and the L conformed to the code
set in the 1960s/70s by Ford Europe where L was a slightly
better-trimmed model.  As you say, GL came above that with
even better trim.  Originally, L signified "Lux"-ury and GL
was "Grand Lux"-ury!!

Later, VW adopted their own system with a base model, then a
slightly better equipped C (Comfort), then a CL (Comfort
Lux) and finally a GL (Grand Lux).  The European market
Vanagon passenger van, the Caravelle, came in C, CL and GL
trim without a base model, but that was probably because
there was a Transporter Kombi (window van) that fulfilled
the base model role for the Caravelle.  It wasn't sold in
the UK except to companies who used it as the basis for
their camper conversions.

Best regards,

Tony