1976 Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen Scirocco (Coupe) , 1974-1981

The Volkswagen Scirocco was in production from 1974 to 1981. It is a front engine, front wheel drive coupe, which owes much of its drivetrain to the Volkswagen Golf range.

The Volkswagen Scirocco was launched in 19743 as a three door coupe. The car was based on the Golf MK1 hatchback, and was available in a wide range of derivatives from 1.1 to 1.6 injection. It was launched six months before the Golf, in order to iron out any teething troubles before the new mid sized hatch was launched.

The earliest 1.5TS models were replaced by the 1.6-litre GL and GLS in 1975. The GL was a direct continuation; the GLS featured deeper carpets, velour seats, and alloy wheels.

The GLS was given the Golf GTi's fuel injected engine in 1977, to become the GLi - and chrome bumpers were deleted in favour of plastic alternatives.

In 1979, the UK got a limited edition model called the Storm. Based on the GLi, this model featured different alloy wheels, a Zender front spoiler, and full leather trim. In 1981, this was briefly reintroduced as a production model before the Scirocco MK1 was replaced.

In 1980, the Scirocco GTi was launched with sports seats, and the Golf GTi's close ratio gearbox.

Production ceased in 1981, when the MKII was launched. Its larger, softer body was still assembled on the Type A1 floorpan, and was still built by Karmann.

The Volkswagen Scirocco uses a range of four cylinder engine also used in the MK1 Volkswagen Golf, but most survivors in the UK will use the 1585cc engine seen also in the Golf GTi. Early cars used a similar 1.5-litre four-pot. The engine drives the front wheels through a four or five speed manual gearbox, or a three-speed automatic.

Like the Golf, the Scirocco used MacPherson strts at the front and a torsion beam for rear suspension. All UK market Volkswagen Sciroccos used disc brakes at the front, with drums at the rear.

Much like a Golf GTi, the Volkswagen Scirocco isa brisk and efficient sporting drove. It may not be the most soulful option, but the build quality and reliability more than make up for that. The handling is predictable, and there's a lot of power right where you want it.

As it's a Volkswagen Golf GTi with a different body, the mechanical items are easy enough to come by from most motor factors - and there are plenty of upgrades available from specialists to boot.

While trim is less scarce in Germany, there are few Scirocco MK1s in the UK. Small items can be sourced via the owners club, but you may find yourself looking in Germany for larger items.

The top of the front wings, the bulkhead and the sills are the worst places for rust, but a MK1 Scirocco can and will rust anywhere. Inspect any potential purchase thoroughly.

Fuel injected GTI and GLI models are most prized of the UK models, though curiosities such as the rare Volkswagen Scirocco 1.1 will always find a home. The rare UK only Storm, complete with Zender spoiler and multi spoke alloy wheels.

While at the time it was marketed against cars like the Opel Manta and Ford Capri, arguably the Scirocco's biggest rival was in-house. The VW Golf GTi had the same Germanic cool, sharp edged style, and was cheaper when new.