VW Scirocco GT. Impression of a classic in top form

Sometimes the blood creeps where it can't (or secretly it can) go. Peter de Roy already owned a few beautiful classics. But at Auto Gorredijk he came across a VW Scirocco 1.5 GT from 1980 in new condition, and with 45.000 km on the clock. Peter hit his stride. And we drove the VW coupe newly delivered in Belgium with the extremely beautiful signature of Giugiaro.

Not long after the Creme21 Youngtimer Rallye adventures with the VW Golf Cabriolet Quartett, we are going out again with a Karmann creation. Karmann? Yes, all first and second series Sciroccos were built there. Yet we doubt that finding for a moment when we see an identification plate under the hood. That's because D'Ieteren is on it. It had been a VW importer for a long time in 1980, previously it sold the factory in Vorst to Volkswagen, which also built cars there for a while.

For a moment there is the idea that Karmann, in consultation with Volkswagen, briefly outsourced the assembly of the Scirocco to Vorst during the last year of construction of the first generation. The idea arises because the Scirocco II was then in the final phase of development in Osnabrück and Karmann may have needed extra space. VW expert Paul Peeters (you know him from many AMK reports from the past) deciphers the riddle fairly quickly. His answer is clear, and you read it Auto Motor Klassiek issue 3-2023.

Everything about this car is still beautiful. This applies to the technology, the interior and also the exterior. We absolutely do not encounter signs of use. This of course has to do with the preservation of and the virgin mileage of the VW. What helped is that after the summer of 1977, Karmann mainly took better rust prevention measures. The Karmann stamp also means that the build quality was well done. Today, the Scirocco still benefits from that. Everything looks, feels and works solid. You notice it in the way the doors, the hood and the tailgate close. And inside the interior everything is almost like new. We make our entrance in the VW. The promise to drive the Scirocco is fulfilled.  

This Scirocco dates from the last year of the first series, because its successor appeared in the autumn of 1980. The first Scirocco generation has not been built that long. However, the Scirocco's design still looks fresh, dynamic and sharp. The attractive design fits in all times. And even in 1980 it was still desirable. During that year, Peter's car was delivered new to its first Belgian owner. The Scirocco only recently made the crossing to the Netherlands. Via Auto Gorredijk it came into the hands of Peter de Roy, who reserved a nice spot for the Scirocco GT in Schalsum. 

The Scirocco and the Golf got a completely different body from each other. Yet you see that they are undisputed relatives. The characteristic instrument panel with the deep round counters, the layout of the levers and the operating functions, the high-ranking radio: it is pleasantly familiar fare. In the GT version of yesteryear you also see a number of elements from the Scirocco (and Golf) GTI returning. The center console near the gear lever, the sports steering wheel with the recessed center cap, the seats and the upholstery materials are examples of this. The furniture offers a good seat and that helps to find a good sitting position.

Initially - after the entry - the headroom seems very limited. This has everything to do with the low cut of the beautiful body. Nevertheless, it certainly succeeds in creating sufficient space for body and limbs, without taking a forced sitting position. In fact, it's excellent. And that also applies to the accessibility and the logical operating structure of the levers and buttons. However, the perception of the environment - because of the completely different bodywork and its low cut -
sportier and more compact than in a Golf from these years.

We already said it: the Scirocco is in new condition, and it drives like that. In addition, the car steers very easily and in a communicative sense, the non-assisted steering system works very weighty and well. It follows the commands closely and with a barely noticeable delay. Clutching and braking is a piece of cake, almost on autopilot and with feeling. The sturdy chassis leaves little room for swell, the spring and damping characteristics are very balanced and work comfortably dynamically. You will also notice that the wheels maintain excellent contact with the road. The 70 DIN hp engine (1457 cc) certainly picks up well from 1500 rpm, and then it retains a large part of the maximum torque (110 Nm at 2500 rpm) for a long time.  

The four resistances can be resisted decisively and with feeling, and show a nice overlap. The engine does run quite a bit at 100 kilometers per hour. Above 100 kilometers per hour, the engine noise (also in four) becomes penetrating. We do miss a fifth gear, although (certainly also in view of the torque curve) a longer final reduction and even better gearbox ratios would have also offered solace. Actually, the lack of the fifth resistance is also the only point of criticism.  

Across the board, however, you notice how much value Karmann attached to the concept of build quality. Especially with the Scirocco I from the facelift series, everything works flawlessly, and the car feels very stiff and solid. You don't hear a creak or rattle. This car is very well put together, looks ditto and drives really well. And we therefore understand very well why Peter de Roy bought this excellent Scirocco.