The BL Lacertae object 0735 + 178 has been mapped with global VLBI arrays at four epochs from 1979 to 1983. The hybrid maps presented in this paper show a complex structure with a component separating from the core with an apparent transverse velocity of almost-equal-to 7.9 c. We suggest a model in which new components are born in the core during an outburst, initially move away towards northeast and then at a distance of almost-equal-to 4.2 mas turn towards the southeast. At this point, the component does not show any discernible motion away from the core. We suggest that the jet curls towards the south and towards the observer and at this point has its minimum viewing angle, with maximum boosting and minimum apparent velocity. We associate the outburst of 1989 with the event when a superluminally moving component reaches this point.