1981 Volkswagen Scirocco

The Volkswagen Scirocco Storm was in production from 1979 until 1981. Styled by Giugiaro, it is a front-engine, front wheel drive coupe seating four adults.

Launched five years into the Scirocco production run, in 1979, the Storm was the ultimate evolution of the MK1 Volkswagen Scirocco, which itself was a coupe based upon the Golf. This meant that the Storm – like the GLi – had the engine from the Golf GTi. But in the Storm it was married to considerable levels of equipment; a wooden gearknob, leather seats, alloy wheels, a chin spoiler and a passenger door mirror were all optional or not available lower down the Scirocco food chain. Storm was a UK-only specification, and one which has attracted interest from Scirocco fanciers in Europe – this is a factor in their survival rates here. It’s believed that fewer than twenty Scirocco Storms survive in the UK. Production ceased in 1981 with the rest of the Scirocco Mk1 family, when the model was replaced by the Scirocco Mk2.

It’s fun, with good brakes, plenty of power by late 1970s standards, and while there’s certainly roll it’s controlled and not excessive by the standards of its day. It all adds up to a package which is far more entertaining than you initially expect despite the fact that the 110bhp it offers is a low number by modern standards. It’s capable of achieving this through low weight – the Storm weighs under 900kg. Is it just like a Golf? In a way, yes. But it feels like much more.

Most of what you need to know is much the same as a Golf, and mechanical componentry is as easily sourced. But body and trim items ca be harder. The seats can be replicated by a competent trimmer given they’re leather, but check the condition of the plastics – especially the dash, as RHD MK1 Scirocco dashes are now rare. Check for rust, too – top of the front wings, door bottoms, arched, sills, inner wings and the leading edge of the bonnet are known trouble spots. Tailgates can rot out around the real window, and any corrosion in the rear beam mounting points is bad news as they’re tricky to repair – cars have been scrapped for this. Like the Golf, the fuel filler neck can rot and flakes of rust can be drawn into the fuel system. Check carefully for any signs of repairs here.

There’s only one model to choose from with the Storm, and most survivors seem to be metallic blue. Other colours were available, and there’s no premium charged for any specific shade. But rather than advising which model to go for with such limited choice, we should draw your attention to the fabulous value offered by the Volkswagen Scirocco Storm. Consider this. It’s a MK1 Golf GTi, with more standard equipment, wrapped up in a more attractive, sportier shell. And yet it’s worth less than the Golf upon which it’s based. We can’t find a way of looking at this which doesn’t appear to be astounding value for money – and that situation surely can’t last for much longer even with the Golf’s reputation.

The closest alternative to the Scirocco Storm would be the Audi Coupe, both now and in period. Those seeking better value performance coupes may naturally be drawn to the rear wheel drive Ford Capri 3.0 and Open Manta GT/E, and while BL’s Triumph TR7 was just as stylish it lacked the practicality of the other alternatives listed. Those after something with a shade of 1980s chic might also consider the Peugeot 205 as an alternative, or the Storm’s sister car, the Golf GTi. It’s faster than the Porsche 924, so add that to the list as an alternative too.