I found this car on the VWVortex forum. It looks like it has already sold, which isn’t surprising given it’s condition.
Seller indicates:
1988 Vw Scirocco 16v with only 72k original miles, 5spd, am/fm/cass, a/c, pwr window, pwr doorlock, sunroof, everything in perfect condition. A true collector. No dings, scratches, accidents, or repaints. Showroom condition, garaged since day 1, ” BBS Wheels are not included “. Asking $7,500. Factory bumpers and wheels will be provided. Yes, it’s been stored in LA California and not driven, and it’s taken up the space in my garage. I have got way too many cars and I need to free up some space.
The word Scirocco comes from a wind that comes across the Saharan desert and reaches near-hurricane force speeds in Southern Europe. The 1st generation went on sale in N America in 1975. The 2nd generation went from 1982-1988, but I don’t think it was sold here in the states that long. It wasn’t until 1986 that the 16-valve model was produced. Like the Golf GTI version and the Jetta GLI version, the 16-valve was a sportier, souped-up version of the regular car. Most importantly, output of the 1.8 liter four-cylinder went from 90hp to 123hp. The car also got a full body skirt, larger rear spoiler, and the famous tear-drop wheels.
For a year or two, I drove a 1986 VW Golf. It was a burgundy car, a 5 speed with 4 doors. I’ve found that people tend to memorize the dash/gauge layout in cars they own. The photo of the Scirocco gauges brings that all back like it was just yesterday.
I started out my autocross “career” in a 16v Scirocco. The engine was a real delight, really coming alive in the upper rev-ranges, with good pulling power down low. The chassis was well-balanced, and could be easily coaxed into rotating with the right inputs. I specifically remember spinning the car in a run where the rear end came around too quickly to save. I also remember myself and two other guys being in a Scirocco on a back road at night, and daring the driver to try and hit 100 mph before a sharp curve at the end of a straight. He did, and then some. They would do 0-60 mph in about 8 secs, pretty snappy for a car of this vintage. Top speed was around 124 mph. In a 2300 lb car, the 10.1″ front disc brakes were considered gigantic, and the 5 speed tranny was a joy.
Did I mention that cool looking unique spoiler on the back hatch that was positioned about 2/3’s of the way down?
Cruising at 80mph on a highway back in the 80’s (when the double-nickle speed limit was enforced) was pretty rare. so these cars are a little noisy and uncomfortable these days. But relatively speaking, they were a real wonder-kid in the 80’s. And they are basically impossible to find these days in good, unmolested condition.