Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1 (1973 – 1981) Review

Volkswagen Scirocco 1500 GL '78

£13,679

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Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1 (1973 – 1981) At A Glance

Italian styling, willing engines, great handling

Rust and fragility

Once underway, the speed of Volkswagen's transformation from a company with a single rear-engined model line to one with an all front-wheel drive line-up was startlingly rapid. The Scirocco was an appealing and delightful small coupe that proved that front-wheel drive could be a huge amount of fun - even when modestly powered. First in Volkswagen’s new front-wheel-drive generation, the Scirocco emerged as a smart and desirable Capri alternative. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro and engineered by Audi, it was a major departure for the Wolfsburg company that previewed the ultra-successful Golf's front-wheel drive platform.

In injection form (it shared its engine with the Golf GTI), it was quick and flighty, and handled in a tidy fashion. Cramped interior was not such a problem for coupé buyers, but rot-prone body would prove to be a major bugbear a few years down the line. An all-time classic, especially in run-out Storm specification.

Ask Honest John

Is my F-reg Volkswagen Scirocco a classic?

"Is my F-reg Volkswagen Scirocco a classic yet?"

Absolutely. Prices for Mk1 Scirocco's start at about £1500 and go up to £8000+ for the very best and most desirable examples in excellent condition and with good history. The Scirocco Register (www.sciroccoregister.co.uk) caters for Mk1 and Mk2 examples of Volkswagen's much-loved 'type 53' while many insurers will offer a classic policy on the vehicle.

Answered by Keith Moody

How much is my 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco GT worth?

"Could you let me know an approximate value of a 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco GT?"

We can never give you a value for an individual car, but we can offer a bit of guidance. You don't say whether your Scirocco is a Mk1 or a Mk2, but as it was registered in 1981 it's probably a Mk1. In which case, we'd expect to see a first class example on a dealer's forecourt for about £7000 or in the classifieds for £5000. At the other end of the spectrum, you could pick up a project with a short MoT but definitely in need of TLC for about £1500. The best thing to do, is try to find a car in a similar condition to yours and price it accordingly. Scirocco prices have been rising in recent years.

Answered by Keith Moody