The first generation of the Volkswagen Cabriolet, known as the Mk1 Cabriolet, was introduced for the 1979 model year. These sporty convertibles were powered by Volkswagen's inline 4 engines but built entirely at the Karmann factory. Drive from the engine powered the front wheels through a manual or automatic transmission. Production of the Volkswagen Mk1 Cabriolet lasted until 1993, skipping a generation before continuing life as the Volkswagen Cabriolet Mk3 for the 1995 model year.