1980 Volkswagen Scirocco

The front-wheel driver Volkswagen Scirocco sports coupe was built in two generations from 1974 to 1992 and a third generation from 2008 until 2017. Given the internal designation, Typ 53, it was intended as a successor to the aging Karmann Ghia. It used the platform of the Volkswagen Golf, with nearly every component of the car was re-engineered. It wore a design by Giorgetto Giugiaro and entered the market six months prior to the Golf, in efforts to resolve teething troubles before the high volume hatchback began. The Scirocco went on sale in Europe in 1974 and in North America in 1975. Power was from a selection of four-cylinder engines which had displacement sizes that ranged from 1.1 to 1.6 liters, with a 1.7-liter unit available in North America.

For 1980, the VW Scirocco had a base price of $8,130 and came equipped with an overhead-valve four-cylinder engine displacing 88.9 cubic-inches and offering 62 horsepower. A four and five-speed manual transmission was available, along with a three-speed automatic. Disc brakes were in the front with drums at the rear. An 'S' version was offered in three colors that included Alpine White, Black and Mars Red with unique color accents. Differences from the base and the 'S' model included blacked out chrome trim, day glow additions to the exterior trim, Recaro designed sports seats, white letter tires, sport strips and a standard five-speed transmission.

For buyers seeking additional horsepower, Volkswagen offered a 105 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine which delivered 74 horsepower.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019