One challenge with project builds can be locating replacements for components that are missing or have reached the end of their serviceable life. It appears there are no such problems with this 1985 Volkswagen Scirocco. The seller indicates that a parts car is available if the buyer wants it, and since the vehicle doesn’t currently run, it’s an offer I would probably accept. The Scirocco is the desirable 16V variant. It is rock-solid, with no major cosmetic issues. The buyer could revive this beauty and hit the road in a genuine survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder JDC for spotting the Volkswagen listed here on eBay in Mullins, South Carolina. The seller set their BIN for this beauty at $5,500.
Launched in 1981, Volkswagen’s Second Generation Scirocco remained on sale until 1992. The company’s latest offering featured more modern styling than its predecessor, but wasn’t a real hit on the showroom floor. The First Generation achieved a sales tally of 504,000 vehicles during its eight-year production run. However, its successor sold only 291,000 cars over its twelve years on showroom floors. It wasn’t that the Scirocco was a bad car. It’s just that it tended to live in the shadow of the Golf/Rabbit GTI. This 1985 example is the 16V variant, ordered by its first owner in Mars Red. The first thing to note is that it only recently reached its current location after spending its life in Texas. Therefore, potential buyers who do not wish to wield their grinder and welder will welcome the news that this beauty is rust-free. One thing that struck me about the car is the surprisingly good condition of its paint. Only the bumpers appear slightly baked, but I believe this VW would present acceptably as a survivor following a session of buffing and polishing. Most readers would probably refresh the bumpers, which is a straightforward task they could tackle in a home workshop. Some of the badges are worn, and the wheels are battle-scarred. However, the glass and aerodynamic features are in good condition.
If you were going to buy a 1985 Scirocco, this was the pick of the bunch. The standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivered what was considered at the time a very respectable 90hp. However, this is the 16V variant, placing 123hp at the driver’s disposal. Adding to this car’s appeal is the five-speed manual transmission, with the pair combining to provide a rewarding and pleasurable driving experience. The seller indicates that this Scirocco has 96,900 miles on the clock and that it hasn’t run for a few years. They suspect an electrical issue, but it seems they haven’t attempted to diagnose the problem. However, they indicate that a parts car is available if the buyer is interested. Accepting the offer might be wise, as it may provide the components needed to breathe new life into this beauty.
If this Scirocco’s exterior presentation is surprising, its interior continues that theme. It isn’t perfect, but UV rays haven’t burnt everything to a crisp. The plastic components look good, and the dash and pad are crack-free. The driver’s seat has a split in the side vinyl, but the Gray cloth on the body-hugging buckets isn’t badly worn or torn. The factory sunroof is a welcome feature for those who don’t wish to hit the air conditioning button. The factory stereo is a distant memory, replaced by a Sony CD player.
It’s interesting how some models from a specific marque appear regularly at Barn Finds, but others play only a bit part. We’ve seen countless examples of Volkswagen’s peppy little Rabbit since the site went live, but fewer than thirty Sciroccos. This 1985 Scirocco 16V is a promising project, and if its motor can be revived, the buyer could enjoy it after some basic cleaning and polishing. The parts car is a genuine bonus, but is it enough to tempt you?
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