Restored 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco

The first generation Scirocco was a touchy car, treading on holy ground by replacing the beloved rear-engine Karmann Ghia. But Volkswagen had already made its mind up, anticipating legislation that would outlaw rear engines altogether as well as feeling the air-cooled 4-cylinder couldn't be perfected any further (Porsche went through a similar crossroads that resulted in development of the 928).

All of it was rather anticlimactic. The law wasn't passed, and consumers still pined for rear-engine cars. But it was too late. The rear-engine lineup was gone. Fortunately, Volkswagen tapped styling legend Giugiaro to craft great-looking new bodies. If it was going to be front-engine and front-wheel drive, at least it was going to look state-of-the-art. Such is the Scirocco, which is basically a sleeker, sexier Golf.

The first generation is particularly notable for its quad round headlights and spartan interior. Just this year, Hagerty Classic Car Insurance has rated the Mk I Scirocco as nearly extinct. I've seen them pop up here and there, but as they rust out, get driven into the ground, sold for scrap they are definitely harder and harder to come by each year.

Fortunately, this example has been given some love by the seller, who says they hate to sell but are moving. They've refreshed it cosmetically and mechanically, and says it now runs well and comes with a clean title.

If you have your heart set on the Scirocco but don't want one that requires work (as the few left usually do), this is an increasingly unique opportunity to acquire one that seems ready to go.

Available here on ebay with a Buy It Now of $3,750.

No Reserve 1985 Volkswagen Scirocco

If there are any classic front-wheel drive cars, the Scirocco must be one of them.

After Volkswagen launched the K70 it was clear they were intent on heading away from their air-cooled rear-engine glory days of the Beetle and Karman Ghia and into a new era of water-cooled, front-engine front-wheel drive cars. To soften the blow, they managed to clothe the setup with some nice sheet-metal thanks to Giorgetto Giugiaro, who penned the Golf and Mark I Scirocco.

In 1982, Volkswagen launched a second version of the Scirocco. Although it was based on the same platform, the body was entirely different, more stark, low, lean and angular.

This kind of simple two-box shape has been erased from the market, despite being so visually and functionally successful. It's form over function, and yet it's undeniably fun and sporty. Just how do some simple angles and clean lines evoke so much? It's a powerful reminder that less is more in car design, something totally lost on virtually all of the major automakers today.

Underneath the hood is a small four-cylinder engine. It's not big and powerful, but it's mated to a stick and you can bet it feels fun driving along looking out from the cockpit.

The seller of this example says they purchased it from the original petite female owner and that it has only 118,000 kilometers, which is only about 73k miles. They say it was a short distance commuter car and was not driven in the winters. Inside, they say it is spotless and all gauges and instruments work. On the outside, they say the paint still shines well, but there is some surface rust. Mechanically, they say it starts, runs, shifts, and stops fine.

Volkswagen sold nearly 300,000 MK II Scirocco but they have seemingly vanished from US roads, as their original owners usually drove them into the ground and they often succumbed to rust. Finding a good clean example of the MKI generation is extremely difficult and the second generation is getting harder too.

Available here on ebay in Ontario, Canada with bidding starting at $2,000 and no reserve.

Threatened Species: 1976 Volkswagen Scirocco

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance released this fascinating but alarming list of cars once built in great numbers that they now insure very few of.

One of them is the first generation or Mark I Scirocco produced from 1974-1982. Hagerty says they insure fewer than 25 of them.

Well, I found one. This gives new meaning to the term 'survivor'.

The Scirocco was a front-engine, front-wheel drive two-door hatchback with four-cylinder engines.

Perhaps the most notable feature was the lovely styling by Giugiaro from his heyday. It's typically well done, perfect proportions and still cool and fresh looking now. I especially love the quad round headlights which contrast nicely with the angular shape.

The seller says this surviving example has a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, 82k miles, and a 4-speed manual transmission. The later teardrop wheels look good and although the seller says they are keeping them, they say they have the original alloys. Mechanically,  the seller says the radiator is missing and the car does not currently run.

Cosmetically, the seller says there is no serious structural rust but there is rot in a few places. Inside, they say the interior is complete and original, but the seats are torn. Still, it's great to see those rare Euro-style plaid seats still with the car.

Unfortunately, the seller says they don't have a title. They say the Pennsylvania DOT lost the title during the last transfer of ownership, but the seller says they have the last registered owner's info. Honestly, if the seller doesn't have a title in their name and never registered the vehicle, they have no authority to sell it unless I'm mistaken. They say they are unsure of what to do, but I can say you'll definitely need a title if you want to ever have this legally on the road again.

This car doesn't run, has rot and no paperwork, which are usually things to avoid, but for the right price (as in under $1k) it could be a good start for a restoration. They aren't many left, after all.

Available here on ebay in Emmaus, Pennsylvania with 7 bids at $256.

Endangered: All-Original 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance released this fascinating but alarming list a couple years ago of cars once built in great numbers that they now insure very few of.

One of them is the first generation or Mark I Scirocco produced from 1974-1982. Hagerty says they insure fewer than 15 of them.

Well, I found one. This gives new meaning to the term 'survivor'.

The Scirocco was a front-engine, front-wheel drive two-door hatchback with four-cylinder engines.

Perhaps the most notable feature was the lovely styling by Giugiaro from his heyday. It's typically well done, perfect proportions and still cool and fresh looking today. I especially love the quad round heallights which contrast nicely with the angular shape.

The seller says this surviving example has a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, 149k miles and the original motor, transmission and 13 inch alloy wheels. I could immediately tell this was original. It has none of the tacky aftermarket tinkering so many of the Scirocco cars left suffer from.

The seller does mention the car has rust, but says the floors and frame rails are solid. They say there is some penetrating exterior rust on the passenger side door.

Mechanically, they say it will need a fuel pump and starter.

The price for this rarity? A mere $1,000.

Find it here on craigslist in Greensboro, North Carolina.