Volkswagen Scirocco GTI
By 1979, Volkswagen had refined the Scirocco formula with the GTI variant, matching the iconic Golf GTI's powertrain with the more aerodynamic coupe body styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The 1.6-liter fuel-injected engine delivered 110 horsepower and remarkably balanced handling thanks to the lightweight construction and sophisticated suspension. Karmann's meticulous hand-assembly ensured quality that exceeded the mass-produced Golf. The Scirocco GTI became the thinking person's hot hatch alternative, offering style and performance in equal measure during the late-1970s sports coupe boom.
Check for rust in door bottoms, rear wheel arches, and windscreen surround. Verify K-Jetronic fuel injection system functions correctly as parts are becoming scarce. Original GTI trim and seats are valuable and often missing. Look for service history proving regular oil changes as engines can develop timing chain issues. Underbody rust is common in northern climates.
Hand-assembled by Karmann coachworks in Osnabruck. The Scirocco was VW's first water-cooled front-engine model, predating the Golf by four months. Giugiaro's design won numerous awards and influenced sports coupe styling throughout the 1980s.