Highlights

Rare pre-facelift GTI example
Only 80,556 km from new
Recent Japanese import

The Appeal

Volkswagen’s ability to offer a car in every sector has long been part of the brand's appeal and they understood the importance of a stylish yet practical compact coupe for an increasingly upwardly mobile society. The second generation of Scirocco arrived in 1981, hot off the heels of the Golf GTI, the Scirocco GTI was actually quicker than its sister, thanks to the careful aerodynamic detailing. Fully equipped, serving as the sporting flagship of the VW range of the era, it hosted ventilated brake discs, anti-roll bars, a five-speed sporting ratio gearbox as well a 1.8-litre fuel-injected engine.

Recently imported into the UK, this earlier German spec Scirocco GTI was believed to have been imported into Japan by a specialist prestige car importer when new in 1985. This car has been delightfully kept in its original condition ever since, down to the distinctive ‘SCIROCCO’ lettering on the rear screen and sports seats. Beautifully presented throughout, with it recording a mileage of just 80,556 km (just over 50,000 miles) it is fully registered for UK roads and comes with an MOT to January 2024.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on the 16th of April 1985
Believed to be a German spec car shipped into Japan by prestige cars dealer Yanase LTD when new
Imported into the UK by the specialist Chequered Flag of Surrey in 2020
Fully registered for UK roads and comes with a current V5
MOT to January 2024, with no advisories
2021 bill for £612
Volkswagen Certification of Originality
Original German sales brochure included
Scirocco Register Club car

The Interior

Very original interior, down to its AM/MW radio
Sports seats in excellent condition with an observation of loose stitching on the driver's seat
The Interior appears to be free of sun-bleaching
Mild cracks were noted around windscreen heater vents otherwise the dashboard is sound and free of wear
Centre console plastics show light signs of age
Its binnacle is intact with legible instruments
Electric windows, work, the driver's side is a little lazy
MFA computer reading has damaged pixels
Carpets dry and free of significant wear
Door cards in very good shape
Headlining intact
All of the controls are said to function
The steering wheel is in good condition
Golf ball style gear knob intact with a slightly faded cover
The boot is good with evidence of very little use and no water ingress
The parcel shelf shows light signs of age but is intact

The Exterior

Very solid structure, with floor pan, boot floor, engine bulkhead and inner wings intact
Excellent panel fit, with even gaps, no discernible signs of corrosion observed
Doors open and close with a reassuring solidity
Generally free of dents, with the lightest of marks noted on the bonnet
Mars red paint finish is in excellent condition, with no swirls or fade
No significant stone chips or road wear.
Twin-wiper model
Bumpers in good shape, with minor marks
The glass is intact with no lamination damage, with excellent rubber seals
Lights and lenses are all in good shape, with light tarnishing on the frames of the inner headlamps
Plastic trim intact with no sun fade
Matching Farroad tyres all have plenty of life in them
Optional Scirocco Storm wheels display light signs of wear

The Mechanics

1781cc 110bhp fuel-injected engine.
Starts up instantly with no knocks or tapping from the engine
The engine proved to idle smoothly, running for 30 minutes with no signs of overheating
No excessive smoke from the engine at any point
The owner will send the car to be serviced prior to handover to the new owner
Said to drive well, with no immediate issues in regard to the gearbox or clutch
Brakes well with no reports of juddering or grind
No knocking or thuds were said to come from the suspension
The engine presents well, with decent hoses and ancillaries
No leaks were observed on the day

Summary

Through no fault of its own, the Scirocco has always played second-fiddle to the VW Golf, but the reasons are difficult to comprehend. The Scirocco is refined to drive, and actually more engaging than the Golf, its low-down driving position and poised styling make the GTI a particularly shrewd buy considering the demand for the VW Golf GTI. This very original and extremely solid example is ideal for those who appreciate the brand's attributes, with a touch of class and rarity.

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.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

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