In Volkswagen’s modern history, surely few cars are as revered as the Corrado. Taking over from the Mk2 Scirocco as the firm’s Golf-based sports coupé, the Corrado was given a striking, chunky, angular aesthetic, mated to a range of powerful engines.
Built by Karmann in Osnabrück, Germany, the range topped out with the 2.9-litre Euro-specification VR6, a mighty performer offering 190hp from its unique, narrow-angle engine. It comprehensively out-performed the contemporary Golf GTI and is now highly prized amongst the wider VW community.
Beautifully finished in a stunning metallic blue, this example has been meticulously maintained by one owner from new. Not only that, last year it was given a comprehensive restoration mechanically and cosmetically, meaning this rare, low mileage sports coupé is ready for its new owner to enjoy. It has to be said, whoever that ends up being, we’re more than a little jealous…Mollet_CorradoVR6_Maché-1.jpg3.1 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1993
Bought new from a VW dealer in Challams, Vendée
One owner from new
Original purchase invoice present in the history file
French registration documents
Kept garaged under blankets and used sparingly
Comprehensively restored in May 2022, with invoices totalling more than €10,000 for the work
Just 61,019Km on the clock
Contrôle Technique to May 2024
Extensive history file, with invoices for maintenance and servicing back to 1993
Factory-fitted, electrically operated metal sunroof
Electric windows and door mirrors
Modern MUSE CD/radio with USB, Aux and Bluetooth
The seats are finished with a smart, hard-wearing yet comfortable grey fabric, with diagonally striped centre sections. It’s a typically 90s design and suits the car perfectly. As far as we can see, all of the material presents in very good order for its age, with no significant wear, damage or tearing apparent.
Dark grey carpets and complementary floor mats adorn the cabin and present well, with no staining or threading we could identify – it all looks to be in very fine condition overall.
The design of the controls and switchgear is typical of Volkswagen in this period – chunky, robust and legible. It makes driving the car simplicity itself. There’s some light wear evident on some of the controls and trim, as you’d expect, and a little more to the gear knob. However, it’s entirely commensurate with the mileage and age of the car.
We’re assured by the vendor that everything works just as it should, with no faults or issues to report in the cabin.
A very usable and practical boot space is finished in dark grey carpet, like the cabin. We note that the parcel shelf has holes cut for 6x9 speakers, which the vendor tells us will be installed before the car is sold.Mollet_CorradoVR6_Maché-23.jpg3.19 MB
The Exterior
Gorgeous metallic blue paintwork
Integrated front fog lights
Some external refurbishment in May 2022
Smart BBS alloy wheels and new tyres
Smooth and with a glossy, shimmering finish, the paintwork of this Corrado belies its age incredibly well. True, the paint has seen some refinishing at the front in May 2022, but it still presents remarkably well. Naturally, there are a few minor blemishes and chips, as you’d expect from a 30 year old car, but overall it’s in incredibly good shape.
That iconic, angular bodywork is in fine fettle too. From the high, cut-off back to that low, snub-nose, the proportions and detailing are excellent. We couldn’t see a trace of notable damage or corrosion either. Panel gaps are neat, lines are crisp and the external trim and badging – much of which was refreshed or renewed in 2022 – all appears to be in fine condition.
As befits the car, it sits on the correct multi-spoke, 15-inch BBS alloy wheels. Presented in very good order, with a handsome silver finish and no kerb damage or lacquer peel in evidence, they are the ideal wheel for the car. They’re also shod in a matched set of Uniroyal Rainexpert 5 tyres, freshly fitted in May 2022.
Taking a look under the car, we saw that everything looks to be in exceptionally good condition, with no damage, corrosion or issues apparent.Mollet_CorradoVR6_Maché-6.jpg4.57 MB
The Mechanics
2.9-litre, naturally aspirated VR6
Five-speed manual transmission
Front-wheel drive
Anti-lock braking system
Supersprint exhaust system
Comprehensive mechanical restoration in May 2022
That narrow angle VR6 engine is quite unique – a 15-degree V6 where both banks share a cylinder head, allowing for easier packaging. In European specification, the Corrado VR6 delivers a healthy 190PS to the front wheels.
This example has a very clean engine bay, with no signs of overheating or any other issues we could see. The owner tells us that it runs “like clockwork” and, with a fine maintenance history and a technical inspection valid until May 2024, the new owner can have real peace of mind that this is a very well maintained car.
In May 2022, the vendor had the car comprehensively refurbished. Invoices are present for this totalling more than €10,000. This restoration included having the following work carried out:
New cambelt, tensioner and water pump
Radiator refurb, new thermostat and thermostat housing
New engine gaskets and seals throughout
Full service, including the transmission oil
New fuel hoses
Replacement of part of the wiring loom (for the spark plugs)
New indicator wiring
New brake discs, pads and hoses all round
New rear bump stops
New anti-roll bar drop links
Full suspension alignment
As you can see, the work was extensive, and the above list is only a fraction of what was carried out. Needless to say, the vendor reports no mechanical issues or problems whatsoever.Mollet_CorradoVR6_Maché-65.jpg2.88 MB
Summary
An iconic 90s coupé, regarded by many as something of a masterpiece, the VR6 is one of the finest everyday performance cars from the period – and this is one of the best examples we’ve seen.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
