Callaway has developed a myth-like status among collectors of sports imports and muscle cars from the 1980s for developing kits that transform already respectable performers. While Corvettes, VW GTIs, and E21-chassis BMWs are the usual suspects when it comes to Callaway cars that pop up for sale, the company also tuned up one of the marquee cars of Volkswagen’s MK1 lineup – the classic Scirocco. This one features a whole host of upgrades apparently ordered from the factory with paperwork to support the tastefully-executed modifications. Find the Scirocco here on craigslist with an asking price of $17,500.
The range of modifications on display here is quite extensive. It’s not just the Callaway Stage 2 kit that offers 11 PSI of boost, or the intercooler, or the heavy duty clutch – the chassis has been worked over as well, not to mention custom touches like the upholstery job inside. The Scirocco also features a high-flow oil pump, baffled oil pan, shift kit, oil cooler, and more. The listing notes the Scirocco was refreshed in the 1990s with a full assortment of period tuner parts from the likes of Neuspeed; fortunately. it’s clearly never fallen into the hands of a teenage driver.
The stance is a refreshing change of pace from slammed and otherwise over-modified Sciroccos. I actually just picked one of these up in 16V form, a 1988 model, and it’s a very pretty car – a design that doesn’t need to be messed with, in other words. This example takes it one step further, focusing all of the enhancements under the skin, with just a set of period-correct ATS wheels to clue you in to the tweaks lying within. The refresh in 1990 included Koni Yellow shocks, Neuspeed springs, a Neuspeed throttle body, Sachs 210mm clutch, Zender rear spoiler, and very period-correct Bosch fog lamps. Again, nothing over the top, but all desirable improvements.
The engine bay isn’t overly-detailed, and I think the asking price would seem more realistic if under the hood presented as cleanly as the rest of the car. The strut bar bearing custom graphics denoting the Callaway enhancements is a nice period touch, but the immense paper trail captured in photos should put to rest any concerns about the car’s heritage. The seller notes despite residing in Michigan, there is essentially no rust on the car, and the paint is in great shape. A/C and power steering has been deleted, so don’t come here looking for creature comforts. A lot of money for a Scirocco, but how many are left with this kit and in this condition?
It is a rare model and with prices of MK1 GTI’s and Scirocco’s going crazy the asking price isn’t too far out of line. Even more rare was the Calloway Alfa GTV6. That was a bi-turbo and I bet that really ran well with the Busso V6. When I was in Orlando training for the Alfa 164ls models they had one of the prototype engines on a stand. Pretty cool stuff!
Being an ’82, this would be a MK2 Scirroco.
High on my list. Had a standard sirocco back in the late 1980’s.
I bet that most of them were standard. Didn’t see too many automatics.
Sweet looking car. I remember when the Volkswagen Scirocco looked like this. My other favourite Volkswagen of the same vintage was the Passat (Quantum here in the USA).
Seems like all the money on this one, plus just a little.
What happened to the cam belt cover?