The original Scirocco was a game changer for VW. Cleverly combining Giugiaro’s design prowess, Karmann build and Volkswagen’s legendary reliability it gave VW the perfect showcase to introduce its exciting new water-cooled cars after the long term success of the Beetle. Rust and the ravages of time, however, have sadly taken their toll on this pioneering retro gem and good survivors are rare, which makes these two quite different Rocco rarities even more appealing…
The Mk1 Scirocco looked scalpel sharp at launch in 1974 (it actually arrived a couple of months before the Golf) and remains just as cutting edge today against a backdrop of bland, clone-like computer aided car creations. But of course the model classic fans fantasise over the most is the one with the delicate chrome bumpers which were replaced by wraparound plastic affairs in 1977.
Which brings us to the chrome bumpered Colbalt Blue car here, which, given its condition, low mileage and known history is a real collector’s piece. It is being sold by 4 Star Classics in Hampshire, it’s a 1977 model GLS (so it’s got the plush velour trim, tinted glass, discreet under chin front spoiler and rear wash wipe among other things) and it has only done 28,435 miles from new…
It was originally supplied by Colindale in NW London and has remained in the same family throughout its (obviously very cosetted) 38 year life. It’s even got its original service booklet. ‘As new throughout and free from dents, scratches and chips’ is how the vendor describes the bodywork, and it sure looks straight in the photos. I know from bitter experience that those original alloy rims were easily kerbed, but these ones have been carefully refurbished and look unscathed.
Inside it’s just a pristine. We’re not totally sure whether the original Sahara beige cord/vinyl seats have been retrimmed or not, but if they have they look great and someone’s made and excellent job of them. The advert states that the carpets and headlining have been replaced, although we’re pleased to report the factory-fit Blaupunkt radio is the genuine article. Apparently, the bootspace is equally unmarked and there’s even the original fifth alloy spare wheel.
Mechanically, as well as having a pile of history to back up the mileage, it’s also had a fair bit done in terms of recommissioning – including a new exhaust system, a brake overhaul, new fuels lines, tyres and a cambelt replacement. In short, it’s all ready to roll by the sounds of it… Unfortunately, it’s only got the four-speed ‘box but it was reasonably high geared anyway and it wouldn’t be a difficult task sourcing and fitting a five-cog replacement instead.
The second Rocco rarity we came across was this late GTI on eBay here. It was first registered in 1981 and has an unbelievably low 24,700 miles on the clock with a service history to back it up. The vendor’s even got the original sales invoice for the car, as well as all the tax discs, the original supplying dealer tax disc holder and two sets of keys.
Incidentally, the colour is Biakal Blue – and it was only offered on the GTi. As it happens, it’s pretty much identical to the W-reg GTI I owned when I was a yoof, and like mine it has a genuine VW Solite glass sunroof (which always seemed to leak). According to the vendor’s description, £10,000 has been spent ‘making it look like a new car throughout.’
Inside it all looks original and the factory fit GTI sport seats are in surprisingly good nick, thanks it seems to dealer fit covers which have only just been removed. Like the earlier GLS, this car’s also got its original Blaupunkt radio cassette. Also like the chrome bumpered Rocco, it’s recently had a fair bit done to it mechanically, including having a recent service and a new cambelt fitted.
So what do you reckon these two rarities might be worth? Well, the chrome bumpered GLS is up at £12,995 and the later GTI is £18,995. If you think about it, the early GLS is only a tad over the price of a new three-door 1.0 poverty spec Polo. And if you consider a new entry level 1.4 Scirocco kicks off at £20,455, even the late GTI starts to look reasonable. Bear in mind you can’t go down to your local dealer and order either of these cars. What do you think?
Ian
You can read our full Mk1 Scirocco buyer’s guide here.
The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage