The…what? Clearly that’s a Jetta, right? Well, you’re both right and wrong at the same time. The Jetta was marketed as several different names across the globe, including Bora and Vento in Europe. In Mexico, though, the first generation was known as the Atlantic, and here today we have one of those that has relocated to the US. While it looks pretty racey on the BBS wheels with the lowered stance, you’ll not find many other go-faster bits on it. Still, if you want to cause some head scratches at the next VW meet…
It’s the time of year where’s it’s fun to take to Europe and consider what might be available for import in just a few days. I found a few fun ones to consider here but would love to hear what you’re looking for. First off, this clean ’99 Audi A3 1.8 manual with only 66k miles for under 3k Euro!
As Volkswagen in Germany switched to water-cooled designs, Volkswagen do Brasil attempted to extend the life of the basic Beetle platform in two ways; the Brasília created a new hatchback rival to the Golf, and the SP models were a leap forward for the Karmann Ghia coupes (of which Brazil already had their own special version – the TC).
‘SP’ referenced São Paulo where the SP and SP2 were produced. The early model had a 1.6 liter flat-4, while the SP2 moved up to a 75 horsepower 1.7 air-cooled flat-4 mounted in the rear. The proportions of the body styling seemed to suggest the opposite though, with the long, low hood and hatchback GT profile looking more like a traditional sports car than any VW had before. Other period designs were borrowed – the Volkswagen 411, the Porsche 924 and Audi’s 100 Coupe S all had similar angles.
Only about 11,300 of these ultra-rare, Brazil-only SP2s were produced. They’re about as legendary as air-cooled VWs get in the U.S., so when one pops up for sale it’s worth a look:
After its unceremonious and unexplained exit from the U.S. market with the introduction of the third generation Golf in 1993, the GTI came roaring back in a big way for the 1995 model year. Sure, it was bigger, bulkier and well…roundier, but it came with a bunch more gusto thanks to the addition of the VR6 motor as seen in the Corrado and Passat models. Though the single-overhead cam, twelve valve head lacked the race-bred feel of the Mk.II 16V, the new motor more than made up for it with the addition of two more cylinders. Good for 172 horsepower and 173 lb.ft of torque, it swept the hot hatch from 0-60 in 7.1 seconds and produced a 15.5 second quarter mile at over 90 mph. But much like the original, the GTI was more than the sum of its numbers, with drivers enjoying the great 6-cylinder soundtrack which accompanied the waves of usable torque.
On its way out of production, VW sweetened the VR6 even more with the “Driver’s Edition” model in 1997. Red stitching, red calipers and special Speedline wheels made an appearance, and while the package was ’97-only it was more-or-less completely carried over to the ’98s. That’s what we have here in this mildly modified Tornado Red example:
First up is this pristine 1988 Scirocco Scala in white on white! From what I’ve found, the Scala replaced the top end GTX model in some markets. This example shows 72k kilometers (~45k miles) and in really remarkable condition with the color matched snow flake rims, period correct Blaupunkt cassette player, Euro headlights, and of course the 16v engine. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, this Scirocco is listed at $39,900 with a make offer option on eBay. Unfortunately no seller description is provided on eBay or the dealer website.
Next up is one you may have seen already on social media, this 1978 Scirocco custom build with an R32 engine modified to a reported 400hp output! Personally I find that to be overkill and have my suspicions about the balance. I’m also not a big fan of the dash screen, extra long shifter, and numerous other out of period choices. Nonetheless it’s incredibly clean and someone spent a fortune to make it their own with legitimate performance improvements. I’m not sure that the $42k asking price translates for the rest of us who grew up with these in the 80’s, but take a closer look on eBay and decide for yourself.
From the seller:
Stunning Scirocco R32 custom. Prior to a complete restoration, this car was stripped to bare metal and retains all the original sheet metal. Exterior modifications include a custom front bumper, Kamei front lip, shaved rear hatch, shaved bumper and shaved marker lights. The car was painted HEMI Orange Pearl, which is absolutely stunning. The paint is show-quality. It was treated with Volkswagen Motorsport and R32 emblems. It has tinted glass and custom lights. The car has 16 Enkei wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The beautiful black interior has many new items, including a Tech-53 headliner, dash, door sills and carpet. It’s equipped with OEM gauges and rear seats. Some interior upgrades include a half roll cage, Edge CTS2 onboard computer manager, Corrado G60 seats, G-Force racing harness, billet window cranks and TR Motoring race shifter. The trunk area is nicely sorted with a painted rear Neuspeed strut tower brace, simulated wood floor, ATL fuel cell, black box surge tank and battery box. The engine compartment was shaved and painted, which looks amazing. Its home to the modified 3.2-liter R32 6-cylinder engine that has an estimated 400hp. The engine has TT260/264 cams, port and polished head, titanium valves and springs, MK5 oil pump, Bosh 044 fuel pump, painted intake, polished air intake, K&N filter and steel oil pan. It’s equipped with a custom fender brace and VW billet strut covers. The engine is cooled by an S&P aluminum radiator with dual electric fans and billet overfill canister. The engine breathes through a custom 3 stainless exhaust system with Borla muffler. The engine is coupled to a modified MK3 5-speed manual transmission. Some features include APR gears and hardware, Quaife ISD, BFI Stage 4 competition clutch, Wilwood hydraulic clutch master and slave cylinder, and DSS Stage 2 axles. The undercarriage is nicely detailed. It’s equipped with Girling Corrado G60 4-wheel power disc brakes. It’s also equipped with all-new suspension, including Neuspeed sway bars and Vogtland coilovers. This G-machine is truly a one-of-a-kind build.
Last of the roundup today is an affordable driver that looks like it could be fun to enjoy as-is and return to stock or restore in your spare time. This 1985 Scirocco available on eBay has the standard 8v motor and most of the car looks pretty original. The steering wheel, shifter, and stereo upgrades are easily reversible. From there addressing the advertised rust would be next on my list. But for $10k, what more can you ask for these days from a nearly 40 year old classic car?
From the seller:
Brand new clutch, new front and rear Bilstein suspension, new brakes, new braking system all 4 wheels, new carpet, new steering wheel and shifter, new shift linkage, new fan motor(if you know that is a big deal), full JL audio with 12” sub, Sony head unit. Drives perfect. Will not find another in this condition around. Has rust spot on drivers fender, comes with a brand new fender, marker lights, black headliner.
