While it doesn’t earn a ton of praise from enthusiasts, I’ve always enjoyed Volkswagen’s Scirocco sports coupe, which was available in the United States from 1975 to 1988. While it is mechanically similar to other Volkswagen models from the era, the Scirocco has distinctive exterior styling which makes it stand out from the pack. The second-generation model was the last one sold in the states, and this 1985 Volkswagen Scirocco that’s available here on eBay is excellent for someone seeking a driver-quality specimen.
This Scirocco is available in Flanders, New Jersey with a clean title. The seller doesn’t provide too much history on the vehicle, but it surely seems that this Scirocco is ready to cover some more miles.
While Volkswagen’s red exterior paint is notoriously prone to fading and clearcoat failure over time, that’s not the case with this Scirocco. There are some minor blemishes, but the paint shines brightly, and a small spot on the rocker panels is the only noteworthy rust on the vehicle’s body.
Inside the cabin, this Scirocco’s age is slightly more apparent. The dashboard material has cracks that a carpet covers and the front seats are noticeably worn, but the rest of the interior is well kept. Also, this Scirocco features an aftermarket sunroof that has no leaks or other issues, all the electrical components and gauges work, and the vehicle’s air conditioning blows cold air.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, which pairs to a 5-speed manual transmission to drive the front wheels. The drivetrain has 98,577 miles on it and the seller notes that it runs, drives and shifts without any issues, and also features fresh fluids.
At the time of publication, bidding is at $3,050 with no reserve. What do you think of this often overlooked Volkswagen sports car?
I have owned 2 Scrirocco’s over the years. a 1978 and a 1984 Wolfsburg. These were fun cars to drive, but not very powerful. The 16V engine was a nightmare, so I never took a chance on buying one of those. This car looks okay, with the exception of the multi color train wreck of an interior. If the car sells around the current bid, it should make a nice project for someone, but probably isn’t worth much more than that.
The body/dimensions look very similar to the Isuzu Impulse.
But the impulse doesn’t have that blasted non asian import huge unopenable “vent window” in the front doors. That ALONE would keep me from buyin any car with that “feature”, espec 1 w/o a/c.
Where on earth did he get those ultra thin whitewalls from, whose whitewalls are so close to the outer edge??!!
Last time i saw tires like that, they were on some ’60s concept cars!
Same designer… Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Had a first generation Scirocco and loved it.
I am shocked it is exceeding $2500, to be honest. Some rust (any) and a less than clean interior should keep a plain jane version pretty low. The 16v models are much more interesting, and a little bit more temperamental. Having owned a last if 16v GTI for 21 years, I can vouch for a reasonably reliable car.
owned a Sirocco years ago, more fun to drive than my two rabbits.
Wish I would have bought the Scirocco over the 1984 Cavalier type-10 I bought. GM at that time wasn’t making very good 4 cylinders and clutches. This happens to be one of my life regrets.
Closest I had was an ’84 Jetta coupe with the same running gear – while not particularly quick or fast, it was very tossable and fun. This could help relive that experience, as long as compression tests are level and clutch has good travel. Only probs I recall were fuel pump relays and a slipping handbrake adjustment at the handle-end.
We owned three Scirocco’s back in the day. All three were totalled, none our fault. That was thirty years ago and just the other day my wife said she still missed her Scirocco! I was thinking about bidding on this one but now, at over $3100 already with three days to go, I think it may have been bid a bit to much. As someone else said, about $2500 is more correct.
Original owner of an 8v, with otherwise all 16v upgrades minus the temperamental 16v motor.
The 8v motor is tough as coffin nails, mine with over 300k miles, even with cam, throttle body and headers. I’ll die with this car in my garage.