When it comes to creating stunning OEM+ builds, the Volkswagen/Audi enthusiast circles put out some of the best work I’ve seen with rampant parts bid raiding to create a better product than the factory intended. It helps that the close relationship between Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche naturally lends itself to plenty of desirable upgrade parts being available, and this 1979 VW Scirocco listed here on Facebook Marketplace is perhaps one of the best manifestations of an OEM obsession.
This MK1 Scirocco is considered by many to be the one to own, as it’s slightly lighter-feeling and more earnest than the later editions. While those later cars had an edge power-wise with the rev-happy 16V under the hood, the first run of the Rocco was an exercise in clutter-free ergonomics with nothing standing between the driver and the car. This Scirocco has handily erased any shortcomings that may be present under the hood with a seriously cool engine build that again uses OEM components from the VAG parts bin – and look at that interior!
The interior is exceedingly clean and the car was supposedly owned by a VW technician during the build stages. This makes total sense, as being a technician naturally opens you up to all sorts of spare parts treasure troves that make it possible to build a killer car while you’re at “work.” The VW also benefits from some choice period-correct accessories, like the “heckblende” panel you see here between the taillights. Other nice-to-have bits include the snowflake alloy wheels from a GTI, the optional accessory gauge cluster in the center stack, and the three-spoke steering wheel shown above.
A wood-style dash kit is a rare accessory, and the car features a 1980s-era Blaupunkt cassette deck. The engine build consists of an Audi 4000-sourced 1.8L mill with a GTI-spec “big valve” head, cam, and required fuel mapping, which helps deliver an impressive 110 horsepower. For an early Scirocco, that is more than enough power to make this thing incredibly fun to rip around in, and the seller’s asking price of $13,500 or best offer seems more than fair for what looks like a very well-executed build.
I agree the price is more than fair. These are as rare as hens teeth these days. Especially a clean one like this. A beautiful design that never gets old. I miss working on the Mark 1 stuff. So simple and like you said Jeff VW parts interchangeability gives the VW enthusiasts the sky is the limit when it comes to making your ride a personal one. The 16V engines in 2.0 liter guise make these cars fly!
I live in the Midwest and it seems the big problem with these was rust. This generation Rocco was pretty much rusted off the roads in salt states by the dawn of the 1990s.
Yup… Was living in the Northeast… my first “real” car after I graduated from college was an ’80 Scirocco… by the mid ’80s it was already succumbing to the tin worm and I didn’t want to deal with it… traded it for a new 2nd gen GTI…
Washington plates, but listed in PA.
A customer of ours had one I used to work on at our repair shop in the late 80’s and I remeber test driving it and was a peppy little fun to drive car. Used to have lean out the AF ratio with a little screw and locknut on top of the throttle body to get it to pass tailpipe emmisions then I’d bring it back to the shop and put the Allen gas analyzer probe in the tailpipe and richen her up a little bit.What a difference that would make. The customer even noticed it .Great price on a fun little car to drive.Glwts.
Always wanted to build one of these with the “S” trim, those GTI wheels, and a 16V drivetrain. It’s such a great body design, but so rare now.
I bought a 1978 charcoal grey with red interior, but before that purchase came across a red “S” for sale, guy had it all dolled up, with those “killer” at the time Phoenix Stahlflex 3011 205/60/13 tires…..I was wide eyed but the guy was gonna pull the tires for his buddy, so I walked, and later found the base model 4speed car that I bought . The steering wheel was the crown of that interior, loved that car, lots of memories
I bought a new 1975 Scirocco- LOTS of quality issues ! It ate #3 rod bearing at 17,000 miles when the oil pump sucked air in a long left hand bend, with a full oil system. The factory oil pan was not baffled. The dealer repaired it under VW of America factory 5/50 warranty, which I had paid extra for. At 47,000 miles it ate #3 rod bearing again, and again the oil system was full with quality oil. VW refused to repair it, stating that I would have to pay $2,000+ to have the engine removed and torn down and then, IF VW confirmed it was a manufacturing defect, they would repair it. I did not have that kind of funds available, so car did not get repaired . I will NEVER own another VW product .
I could think of lots of better vehicles to buy with $13000.
No way any 70’s VW is with that much
So Don’t buy it.
Bought a new one in 1980, Platinum with a red interior. What an awesome car! One of the cars I can truly say I wish I never let it go.
Mine was the same color, I loved the interior in my car, I thought the steering wheel was one of the best in a car at the time