Miguel Sánchez
PHOTOS VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO CALLAWAY: BRING A TRAILER
"As fast and powerful as the desert wind". So he advertised Volkswagen to its new sports model in 1974: the Scirocco. Substitute for the outdated Karmann Ghia, this vehicle is as fun as it is practical was built on the chassis of the first generation Golf, almost before him. A statement of commercial intentions, more ambitious than those of the small segment covered by the mid-engined two-seater VW / Porsche 914/4. Thus, the first version of the Volkswagen Scirocco appeared with lines certainly similar to those of the Golf.
Something that was not a coincidence at all, since both models were molded in the offices of Italdesign, in charge of Giorgetto Giugaro. A design that would condition that of many other compacts, definitively establishing the straight lines that should reign during the seventies and a good part of the eighties. Everything powered by a more than reliable inline four cylinder engine, capable of going from 50 to 110CV depending on the versions. A wide bouquet with which the Volkswagen Scirocco it became a sales success.
In fact, despite being far from typically American approaches, the Volkswagen Scirocco it sold quite well in the United States. A market where the second generation of the model ended up consolidating a small sports legend, especially because of the ease with which the mechanics can be altered. Something perfect for an American youth market where customizations have been the order of the day since the fifties and the fever by the Hot Rods. This unit modified by the preparer Callaway give good faith of it.
VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO: A GOLF TAKEN FURTHER
Joined by the same designer and chassis, the Golf and the Sirocco they were released the same year. Something that invites reflection because, what was the function of the VW Scirocco? After all, the compact utility had a GTI version from the start. But nevertheless, brand executives hoped to offer a similar product but decidedly focused on sportsmanship. Not a more rabid version of the utility; but a clearly differentiated model with the youth market in the spotlight.
In fact, I think we can understand this very well with the third generation of the Volkswagen Scirocco. At the time just the one that was produced until last 2017. It was, basically, a Golf. But of course, widened and with reduced height. A vehicle clearly designed to offer sportiness from appearance to behavior. Just the same idea that underlies the original 1974 model. With that starting point, Scirocco mounted mechanics with direct injection capable of delivering plenty of fun.
So much so that the first generation was a success, especially the GTI version of 1 liters and 6CV. In 110 the vw scirocco mk2, with a tributary aesthetic to that of Giugiaro but updated by the design team of the brand itself. Competition from the Renault Fuego or the Ford Capri, this second generation of the Volkswagen Scirocco is the most remembered. With powers of up to 139CV in versions like the GTX 16V. The sweetest moment for a model that a few years later would be replaced by the Corrado; the more than interesting 2 + 2 with the remembered VR6 engine under the hood.
SCIROCCO TURBO: THE DESERT WIND
Named after the hot desert wind, the VOlkswagen Scirocco It seemed destined to equip turbo mechanics. However, we must remember that he lived his best years during the seventies and early eighties. Just the time remembered for the popularization of direct injection, before the moment when the turbo rose as an omnipresent fad. In fact, the only Volkswagen Scirocco -until its resurrection in 2008- with a turbo was a unit that barely passed some circuit tests.
Something that the North American coach remedied Callaway with the modified version you are viewing. A unique creation made on a VW Scirocco mk2 from 1982, to which a Turbo Stage 2 kit has been added with intercooler, as well as new oil cooling systems. These additions achieve an engine of which the exact power has not been said, but which we sense quite vibrant. All of it sent to the front axle via a five-speed manual transmission.
Additionally, damping improvements were added, as well as a gearbox tuning to account for short developments. In short, quite a few details that refine the performance of a model designed to enjoy sportsmanship on a daily basis. Which, thanks to these Callaway modifications, sure makes the Volkswagen Scirocco A very enjoyable vehicle on the curves of a circuit, why not. A very interesting example for all those mechanical fans who wish to create a unique car from an accessible classic. This atypical specimen recently sold on the great American auction website Bring a Trailer.
