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.

1987 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia Syncro

I recently posted a '91 Type 2 Syncro that was a decent late mode example. This is an even better bargain. The most desirable of all the Type 2 are the Westfalia campers, that basically take the versatility of a regular Type 2 to an extreme, with two rows of seating that fold down completely for sleeping bags or even a mattress and a roof that pops up so that a 6-foot tall adult can fully stand inside the vehicle.

Westfalia-Werke was the coach builder in Germany who added the camper modifications onto the vans after they left the factory. They had been doing this since the 50s.

By the time this was converted in the late 80s the Westfalia name was legendary. Not all VW campers are Westfalia and not all Westfalia VW are even the same. This one has a pop up and awning but does not seem to have much else, like a cooking facility and voltage outlets, however, I'm sure those things are possible to add now.

What is an amazing extra is the coveted 4wd Syncro. I'm not sure how many vans were made with both Westfalia and Syncro, but it wasn't many, and much less have survived today in one piece.

This one has 195k on the clock but looks clean. The owner says it's rust free and has good paint. The anthracite color is hard to wrong with and the interior looks pretty clean and tidy. I dig the exterior "Syncro" decals and what appear to be original plastic VW hubcaps.

Mechanically, the seller says it needs a locking leg for the pop up top and an a/c recharge.

I'd get some ownership history, maintenance records and check the underbody yourself for rust. If it checks out, this is a sweet vehicle. The mileage is high but with proper upkeep it could be good for another 190k. The rear engine four bangers are reliable and designed to go for half a million miles or more before a rebuild. It's also mated to a stick shift, so no worries about Volkswagen's troublesome automatics.

Westfalia Syncro prices are high. Sellers know what they have and want top dollar, not just because of the rarity but the desirability in usefulness. You can literally go almost anywhere on land, and stay the night, too. This one is reasonably asking $13,000.

Available here on craigslist.

1991 Volkswagen Type 2 Syncro

Ah, the third generation Type 2. The last of the rear-engine Volkswagens, before they Toyota-ized themselves into front-engine front-wheel drive oblivion.

But while they were still in production, these things were pretty unique. Long after Detroit had given up on the Corvair, the Type 2 "Vanagon" kept rolling on as the only rear engine van in production. The third generation lasted from 1979-1992, before they switched over to the front-engine "Eurovan".

The third generation featured more modern styling, but it was also larger and heavier. This example wears a nice shade of burgundy paint that contrasts well with the grey lower body cladding. The alloys are cool, and the square headlights are preferable over the poorly functioning round pre-'85 sealed beam units. These are cult classics now, just like almost all Volkswagen products from the late 20th century. Part of the reason is not just the unique layout, but the durability and ruggedness of the construction.

Adding to the appeal of this example is Volkswagen's patented system of four-wheel drive called Syncro. It was only offered on the Vanagaon from 1985-1992, making this one of the last. If these were go-anywhere vehicles before, the 4wd adds even more versatility.

They were available with either 4 or 5 cylinder and either gas or diesel engines. In 1984, Volkswagen switched the engines from air-cooled to water-cooled. This is an air-cooled 4-cylinder gas engine. It won't win any drag races, but it will be reliable if kept up. Earlier U.S. 1.9-liter engines were prone to head gasket failure, but the post-'85 2.1-liter were usually made to remedy that issue. This being a '91, you get all the benefits of years of improvements and upgrades.

The three-speed automatic is a downside for sporting purists, but might be easier on the hand and feet for long journeys. Volkswagen automatic transmissions have spotty reliability though, so that's one thing to watch out for.

The interior looks pretty clean and sorted, and the second row neatly folds up for extra space.

This is being offered by what appears to be a Ford dealer who provide no details on history, maintenance or even current condition. You'll definitely want the scoop on where this has been and how many owners. Vanagons are often kept for long periods by owners and then handed over to another family member or sold locally to a friend, so it's unusual for one to fall into dealer hands, unless it was just an ignorant trade-in. Check for accidents and rust, then on engine upkeep. I believe one of the photos does show rust beneath the rear window. If it all checks out though, this is a rare vehicle in decent shape and a nice color combo. The dealer doesn't list a price, but with the mileage at 150,215 you want to snag it for less than your average new 4wd SUV. Then, pack your bags, bring your family and go on a adventure and blast Steve Moore or Music For Airports-era Brian Eno on the speakers.

The craigslist ad is here and the dealer ad is here.

1988 Volkswagen LT45 Diesel Firetruck

Somebody call der firetruck!

This Volkwagen was imported from Holland where it served as an airport crash tender, spraying foam wherever there were flames.

The LT was the largest light commercial van VW produced from 1975-2006. Unlike the beloved Type 2 van, the LT had the engine in the front, like most vans today. It was available with either rear or all-wheel drive, four or six cylinders, and gas or diesel engines.

This particular exam is equipped with 2wd and a Volvo 6-cyl. diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The car is now in Florida, that haven for easily titling imported vehicles. Thankfully, the seller seems to have a good reputation and currently possess a clear FL title in hand to go with this vehicle.

Mechanically, they say it has only about 4,800 kilometers which equals about only 3,000 miles on the odometer.

Cosmetically, they say the tiny tires are in good shape and the interior is clean but the front windshield is busted and there is exterior rust. They also say the haven't tested the actual firefighting equipment and assume it is not working.

This is a quirky little truck but with that low mileage it definitely deserves a good long life in caring hands. It could be converted to a flat bed and the engine to biofuel to make it even more efficient and useful.

Available here on ebay.

1990 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel

Volkswagen's diesels are legendary. They aren't fast. They aren't revolutionary. But they're relatively simple and extremely reliable and efficient. These were common in third world taxi fleets and went for half a million miles before a rebuild.

Today, Volkswagen's diesels are a mixed blessing. They have more power, but the price premium over gasoline variants almost eliminates any savings gained fuel efficiency, and I heard quality and reliability was a concern, for a while not to mention the notorious high cost of VW parts.

That makes their diesel engines of the 70s and 80s extra appealing, which is why my fingertips tingled at finding this example.

The second generation Jetta lasted from 1984-1992. It's a classic three-box shape, all sharp angles and hard corners. In fact, the only circular shapes are the wheels. Many people hated it, but just as many are looking back fondly as car design gets uglier and poorer each passing year.

Underneath the hood is a small 1.6 liter 4-cylinder diesel. There was a turbocharger fitted on one engine, but the seller is unclear if it's turbo (in fact, I don't see any diesel nomenclature on the car itself, puzzlingly). Knowing my luck, it's a non-turbo. The turbo adds a nice little boost. But either way, these are slow cars. Getting on the highway is a feat. Passing traffic is out of the question. Thankfully it's a 5-speed.

Another high point is handling. FWD setup aside, these are tight, taut little cars that are lightweight enough to feel nimble. Clutch feel is also said to be nice.

The seller claims the miles are low, but don't elaborate on the exact figure. They do say it's a 1-owner that was well-services and runs and looks new.

Sine the price is right, this is a nifty car that could last for a long time. It could also be ripe for bio-fuel conversion.

Available here on craigslist for $2,950.

Restored 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

The Beetle is usually overlooked but we can always appreciate a good example. It's legacy is so conflicting: they're collectible, yet over 21 million were made, they're triumphs of engineering, yet intended for everyday use, they were promoted by fascist Germany of the 1930s, yet later embraced by North American counter culture of the 1960s. Is there any corner of 20th century life the Beetle hadn't touched?

The best and most sought after examples of course are the purest, earliest, and cleanest. This fits all three bills.

Only 331,847 cabriolet versions were officially built from 1949-1980 by huge manufacturer Karmann. Styling is pitch perfect and the loss of a roof seemingly created a second new classic in its own right. The design is also handled well with the top up. Chrome window frames roll up to support the roof when closed. The black paint is a little eerie but still really cool, and the mirrorball wheels add some playfulness although we would do without the white mudflaps. Inside, the grey and white interior brightens things up.

Underneath the rear latch is 1200 cc flat four-cylinder air-cooled engine that produced a mere 36 horsepower. It won't be winning any drag races, but, as the seller says, "its appeal is in its reliability and thrift, making this a hobby car without compromises". Couldn't have said it better myself.

COTC has showcased two other impeccable vehicles from this seller before and their Beetle is no different, with dozens of clear photos of every angle inside and out, and a better than average writeup. They say this Beetle is restored, but has been done so in a careful, quality, and period-correct manner. They don't mention whether it is matching numbers but do say the engine is a correct '56 unit and everything was rebuilt to original specifications except for a new 12-volt electrical system cleverly hidden inside a vintage generator.

The asking price is really high, but the restoration must have cost a lot too. If you're looking for a refreshed Beetle in better than new condition that is ready for a new life, take notes. Even if you don't plan on considering this, it's great inspiration.

Available here on ebay for a $39,995 and the Make Offer option.

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.

62k-Mile 1994 Volkswagen Passat GLX VR6

What is the Volkswagen story? Maker of people's cars? Innovators? Leaders? Followers? Forever indebted to national socialism? Regardless of personal opinions they have been extremely influential in the automotive industry since their formal inception in 1937. For most of the late 20th century, they pushed a fundamental philosophy: the sophistication of rear-mounted engines available prices farmers and peasants could afford. There's a lot to respect there.

This all shifted with the 1974 Golf, however. Sure, the angular styling by Giugiaro was superb, and it was still affordable, but it was otherwise a front-wheel drive economy car. The same consumer money that was used to buy rear-engine technology was being used to buy simplistic front-wheel drive. That is not a fair exchange anymore. You're getting less.

To add insult to injury, their front-wheel drive cars grew more expensive than comparative American and Japanese offerings. Suddenly, the people's car was a snob's car. This fate was sealed by the late 90s and early 2000s.

Their Passat of the 80s and 90s did make some practical sense, however. Given the choice of a 1994 Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat, I'd choose the Passat. For starters, the 1988-1996 "B3" generation is really good looking, way cooler than the Camry or Accord. For mid-size sedan money, you got very neat and clean German design the Japanese and especially Americans just couldn't imitate. The grille-less front and minimalist headlights are a nod to the company's rear-engine past when grilles weren't necessary, and look to the future with influence from their super low drag coefficient concept car. So the aesthetics were nailed down well.

The other neat thing about the Passat was the range of engines, from four and six cylinder gasoline engines to diesel engines. Their diesels are legendary. For those who want more power, however, there was the VR6, which stood for "Verkurtz Reihenmotor". This was a 2.8-liter 6-cylinder engine whose two banks of cylinders were offset and titled from each other at smaller angles than on traditional Vee engines, so it is not quite a Vee, and yet not quite an inline. It gave the B3 Passat 172 horsepower.

The seller of this example says it only has 62,130 miles, qualifying it as a low mileage survivor. Volkswagen sold a ton of Passat, but most were in Europe. It still lagged behind in sales to the Taurus, Camry and Accord at the time. I can't remember the last time I saw a B3 Passat, but I'll take notice next time I do. This one looks good in a dark exterior color, and comes with top-of-the-line goodies like a factory rear spoiler, alloy wheels, fog lights, and heated leather seats.

Available here on ebay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with bidding at $1,075.

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.

1979 Volkswagen Iltis

The Type 183 "Iltis" was Volkswagen's standard issue military mobile. After the Auto Union Munga was retired, Volkswagen developed the Iltis as a replacement for the German armed forces. It was chosen over the more expensive Mercedes-Benz Galendenwagen.

The Iltis actually replaced a Volkswagen, too: the Type 181, or commonly known as the "Thing". They would be sold side by side briefly until 1983, when the Type 181 was discontinued. The Iltis continued on until 1988.

Only 9,457 were built, the vast majority for the military, and a small remainder for civilian and other uses. This is much lower than the 90,000 Type 181 built. As such Type 183 are much rarer, and even more so in North America.

The seller of this example right here in the U.S. states it is a Bundeswehr Radio Vehicle, and has only 18,616 kilometers which is about 11k miles. Being an imported foreign military vehicle, anything could have happened to the odometer as rollbacks might not have been as closely scrutinized as a civilian vehicle would be. The seller claims the miles are low and original, and it is showroom or parade ready (what parade though, exactly?).

This Iltis is powered by a water cooled 1.7L 4 cylinder engine that powers all wheels and it mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The seller says it also features removable top and doors, folding front windshield, seats 4, pioneer kit, steel wheels & off road tires, 24 volt electrical system, military tow hitch, brush guard, rear fuel can & rack, rear spare tire, radio mounts, folding side mirrors, and a roll bar.

It would be fun to have this photographed alongside a Willys Jeep, Mercedes G-Wagen, Land Rover Defender, and Toyota J40.

Find it here on ebay in San Juan Capistrano, Califnornia.

Still 5 Lug: 1965 Volkswagen Type 3 1500S Notchback

This VW is in need of some serious love.

The Type 3 was a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive compact vehicle produced by Volkswagen from 1961-1973, resulting in over 2 million built. That's a ton of cars but I wonder where they are all hiding, as I'm not sure I've ever seen one.

Oh, to live in a time when automobile manufacturers gave consumers a real choice of vehicles. Wanted the superior handling and driving dynamics of rear-engine setup? No problem, Volkswagen offered you practical, affordable and reliable cars. Ask the same thing today and the least expensive rear-engine car is a Porsche 911 at $70k or whatever they start at. And Volkswagen has completely abandoned the engineering principles they held for most of the 20th century.

The condition on this one is clearly rough. Paint is poor and the seller states there is rust. The interior has no seats. The seller makes no mention of the engine and transmission, but say it is very complete, and still wears the 5-lug wheels. They also mention they have a donor '66 floorpan to use on this and a bunch of extra parts.

The seller says they have paperwork for the vehicle as well.

This thing needs a lot of work, but it's a classic vehicle with the unique rear-engine setup that has a devoted following around the world.

Find it here on craigslist in Fall River, Massachusetts for $1,700.

First Generation: 1975 Audi 100 LS Manual

Here's an Audi you never see on the roads anymore.

It's a first generation "C1". The 100 nameplate would last for another three generations until 1994.

These were important cars for Audi. Over 800,000 were sold and they helped established the brand since it had been revived by Volkswagen in 1965.

Still, these were simple cars. They had front-wheel drive and four cylinder engines. This one is mated to a manual transmission.

Styling is classic '70s European sedan: simple, large flat planes, round headlights, big trunk, small taillights. Other than the trademark four-ring Audi logo, they have no innate connection to the flashy, hi-tech Audi cars of today, as these are stark, bare-bones two-wheel drive cars.

Although these sold in large numbers, not many must have made it to North America.

The seller states this survivor runs and drives, but the vacuum lines are rotted and will need to be replaced. Cosmetically, they say the vehicle may have had a repaint but they can't be sure. They do say there is rust on the rear wheel arches, strut tower in the trunk, floorboards, and radiator support. That would make this car good for just continued daily driving or a possible total restoration, although such an expenditure may never be justified.

But this definitely has some charm.

Find it here on ebay in Mount Vernon, Ohio with 5 bids at $305 and reserve not met.

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.

Original Paint: 1986 Volkswagen Quantum Synchro Wagon

Here's a nifty piece for vintage wagon lovers.

This is a 1986 Volkswagen Quantum Synchro Wagon.

The Quantum was actually the second generation of the VW's Passat "B2" platform. It was called the Passat and Santana worldwide, and Quantum in North America. The B2 was made from 1981-1988. Then we got the B3 and the name Passat. Supposedly 4.5 million units were made worldwide of the various body styles, which included sedan, hatchback and wagon.

This is a wagon. It also has "Synchro", Volkswagen's patented system of all-wheel drive.

It looks terrific, especially in refrigerator white paint, and thanks to the seller's numerous high-resolution photos. Volkswagen had perfected their boxy, ultra-utilitarian cookie-cutter cars at this time and this is no exception. Hard angles, predictable lines, gentle front-fascia. It's extremely conservative and it works brilliantly. When will today's designers realize that less is more, and that cars are ultimately just tools, and we like them more when we think of them that way? The purposeful jackknife look of the '80s, in contrast to today's sloppy potpourri styling, will be looked back on as the second greatest realization in auto design, after the sensuous curves of cars from the '30s, '40s, and '50s.

Mechanically, it has a quirky 5-cylinder engine and manual transmission.

The seller states this is a two-owner car that was always garaged. They list the odometer as showing 161,890 but say it feels newer, wears the original paint, has no rust and has never been hit. The go on to say it has no electrical gremlins. However, they do say the Synchro indicator light is not working, so they do not know if the all-wheel drive is actually functioning or just the light is out. To be honest, it's a bit of a bummer to buy an AWD car and not have the AWD work, it's an essential function and asset of the vehicle. I would definitely investigate that and try to definitively prove if it's working. If it's not working, slash whatever the buyer wanted by a third to half. You're just left with a pleasant but unremarkable wagon without the Synchro.

This is a car that makes most sense to use as a practical daily driver, so everything should work to avoid headaches and annoyances.

The seller also states the climate control is only blowing hot.

Find it here on ebay for sale in Portland, OR.