Volkswagen Scirocco classic cars for sale

History of the Volkswagen Scirocco

Launched in 1974, the Volkswagen Scirocco filled the gap left by the VW Karmann Ghia. Its birth was unconventional: development was bankrolled by Karmann rather than the Volkswagen board, and the design came from Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also penned the Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint. Every Scirocco until 1992 left the Karmann works in Osnabrück. With front-engine, front-wheel drive and a sharp coupé body, the car broke with Volkswagen’s conservative image at the time. The Scirocco name itself refers to the warm Mediterranean wind, hinting at the car’s breezy, agile character. Production of the first two generations ran until 1992, with the Scirocco outliving and coexisting with its would-be successor, the Corrado, for several years.

Model history

The Scirocco story begins with the Typ 53 (Scirocco I), developed on the Golf I platform and launched as a production car in 1974. Four trim options—L, S, TS, and GT—were available, ranging from a 1.1-litre, 50 hp engine to a 1.5-litre, 85 hp version. By 1981, the Typ 53B (Scirocco II) had arrived, offering more space and improved passenger comfort, but keeping the coupé’s sporting silhouette. The Typ 53B brought a bigger boot, modern interiors, and improved aerodynamics. Engine choices extended up to 1.8 litres and 112 hp, particularly in the GTI 16V. The Scirocco line was built through 1992, with special variants like the GTI, GTX, and GTS marking the highlights. Production volumes were robust: nearly 300,000 units of the second generation production underscore the car's presence in the era. In 2008, Volkswagen revived the Scirocco in a third generation, but this did not reach 'classic' age yet and is out of production since 2018.

Highlights and features

Distinctive features define the Scirocco range: lightweight construction (often below 900 kg curb weight), front-wheel drive, corrosion-resistant engineering, and a three-door, 2+2 coupé design that prioritised both sportiness and practicality. Many cars left the factory with sports seats, bold period colours, and options like alloy wheels (notably Pirelli “P Slot”), fog lamps, and sunroofs. The robust VW mechanicals meant the Scirocco was equally at home as a daily runabout or an affordable hobbyist sports car. Motorsport credentials are present thanks to FIA homologation and period-correct race series.

Typ 53B dominates the market: it represents 77% of current Classic Trader listings and nearly 78% of all listing views. This makes the second-generation Scirocco not only the most available model but also the most sought after, far surpassing the earlier Typ 53 which accounts for only about 21–22% of supply and demand. Rarer special models, including the Typ 13, hold only a sliver of market share (2% supply, 1% demand).

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Scirocco’s model palette included several notable editions. The GTS brought metallic ‘Flash Silver’ finishes and unique wheel and interior combinations. The GTX badge signified enhanced engine performance, with options for 1.8 litre and 16V engines. The late GTI 16V is especially prized for its 16-valve head (code KR) with up to 136PS (in some export trims). There were also rare Cabriolet conversions carried out by Bieber, and market-specific editions with bespoke interiors or trim. Models with original sport equipment (Pirelli alloys, factory sports steering wheel, complete historical documentation) are particularly valued by collectors.

Engine, Transmission and Handling

The Scirocco was designed around a front-engine, front-wheel-drive setup, with lively engines ranging from the practical to the properly brisk. Period-correct sporting behaviour is found especially in the GTI, GTX, and 16V models. Early cars are lighter, with manual transmissions and minimal driver aids, giving a direct mechanical connection between car and driver. The Scirocco II brought incremental improvement in comfort and engine refinement, while keeping a low kerb weight for agile handling. Many models feature a manual 5-speed, while later versions with larger engines benefit from tighter gear ratios and upgraded braking systems. All share the crisp McPherson suspension at the front and a well-tuned torsion beam rear axle, for a controlled but engaging drive. Lively steering, strong brakes, and broad aftermarket support make them enduring drivers’ cars. - Scirocco GTI (Typ 53B): 1.8-litre 16V, 112 PS, sharp handling, widely available.

• Scirocco GTS: Special edition trim, sporty details, ‘Flash Silver’ paint, well optioned.
• Scirocco GTX: 1.8-litre engines, top-level performance for the series.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Italian design flair from Giugiaro (first generation) and Herbert Schäfer (second generation) means every Scirocco wears sharp wedge lines, bold C-pillars, and a sleek wraparound tailgate. Interiors mix practicality with period sports touches—deep-bolster front seats, colour-matched trim, and, on request, vinyl, velour or textile upholstery. Distinctive exterior features included a single-arm wiper (earlier GTI), bold spoilers, alloy wheels (Pirelli, ATS, BBS), and period-correct plastic or chrome bumpers. Popular optional extras: electric windows, sunroof (tilting or sliding), central locking, heated seats, and Blaupunkt or Gamma radios with cassette. Late-series Scirocco models introduced more plastic bumpers and broader colour options such as ‘Alpinweiss’, ‘Flash Silver’ or metallic greys and blues, and the trademark adjustable split rear seat.

Other information

Occasional conversions to cabriolet by coachbuilders (like Bieber) exist and are rare. Most sought after are original, unmolested examples with full documentation, original accessories, and preserved historical paperwork. Many Sciroccos were exported or received market-specific equipment—GT II, GTS, US bumper variants, or left-hand drive for European markets. Track-day use and classic motorsport roles are covered by homologation history and FIA documentation from the period. Collectors value complete cars with original radios, wheelsets, and period options.

Summary

The Volkswagen Scirocco holds an important place in the classic car world as Volkswagen’s dedicated sport coupé, merging renowned VW reliability with distinct styling and a purposeful driving character. Of the model line, the second generation Typ 53B remains the most common and desired, accounting for the largest share of classic Scirocco listings and interest today. Whether in rare GTS or GTX trim, or as a well-kept standard model, a Scirocco brings a direct, mechanically engaging driving experience wrapped in a package that’s both practical and unmistakably individualist.