JASON CAMMISA'S FULL-SPECCED MK2 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO VISITS JAY LENO FOR AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW. WE LIKE!
The Iconic Volkswagen Scirocco is a timeless classic with some great lines and styling, many believe it may have been ahead of its time. When discussing classic cars that have left a mark on automotive history, the Volkswagen Scirocco has to be part of the conversation. The Scirocco saw its world debut at the 1974 Geneva Motor Show and the styling was a sleek and sporty coupe that quickly captured the hearts of Volkswagen fans around the world. The Scirocco had a distinctive design, and decent performance for the time, and it had versatility thanks to a large boot under the sloping rear hatch. The Volkswagen Scirocco marked Volkswagen's foray into the compact sports coupe segment - this was ahead of the timeless Mk1 Golf. Developed as a replacement for the ageing Karmann Ghia, the Scirocco was based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf and shared many components and engineering principles with its hatchback sibling. The Scirocco was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign fame, the Scirocco boasted a sleek and aerodynamic silhouette, characterized by its distinctive wedge-shaped profile and large wraparound windows. Giugiaro's design combined form and function, creating a car that was both stylish and practical for everyday driving. The design language of the Volkswagen Scirocco is regarded as being ahead of its time, blending the then-classic sport coupe elements with then-modern touches. Its low-slung stance, wide track, and short overhangs emphasized its sporty character, while details like the integrated front spoiler, pronounced wheel arches, and crisp character lines added visual dynamism. Inside the cabin, the Scirocco offered up a driver-centric layout with supportive bucket-like seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a well-positioned instrument cluster. Despite the compact dimensions, the Scirocco managed to provide decent space for passengers with a fair amount of luggage, the space of which could be expanded thanks to the hatchback design and fold-down rear seats. Under the bonnet was a choice of a few engine setups ranging from an efficient 1,100cc lump to a 1,600 cc mid-range option and the most sought-after 1,800 cc variant.
While not intended to be a high-performance sports car, the Scirocco excelled in agility and handling and Its responsive steering, nimble and tight chassis with well-tuned suspension made it an entertaining drive on winding roads and spirited outings. The original Scirocco’s production run went on for 18 years, from 1974 to 1992, and it was hugely popular. Here in SA we only received a small contingent of the earlier models, and as soon as manufacture of the Mk1 Golf started here, they were no longer available which makes them quite rare. When the nameplate returned in 2008, the modern interpretation of the classic hatchback was well-received and would have sold more models if more were brought into the country. It’s clear that there’s a love for the Scirocco. Well-known automotive journalist Jason Cammisa seems to agree. The man is more knowledgeable about cars than most and has amassed an impressive private collection and it includes an old-school Scirocco in arguably the best specification it was made in. His version is the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2 Typ53B a smooth silver paint one and it’s in the even rarer Karmann spec that sees extras added to the bodywork in the form of a full body kit. Under the hood of the Mk2 Scirocco was a 1.8 litre 16-valve K-Jetronic mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This was the first time that Volkswagen used the 16-valve powerplant, and it went on from there to be one of the company’s most iconic powerplants that would be transplanted into Mk1 Golfs the world over for generations to come. Making the Karmann spec even more desirable, it featured a full body kit as mentioned, along with a larger spoiler at the low end of the tailgate and above the rear lights, teardrop slotted wheels, disc brakes all around, a sunroof, leather interior and air conditioning - which were optional extras. Cammisa recently took his Mk2 Karmann Scirocco to an even more well-known car guy, Jay Leno, for a shared review of the car with an in-depth look at everything that makes the car special. What do you think the seasoned Leno thought of the car?
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows two well-known motoring journalists giving a once-over of a Karmann-spec Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2, the first VW to receive fitment of the iconic 1,800 cc 16-valve powerplant. It's a rare and sought-after Volkswagen that was ahead of its time, click through to see what Jay Leno and Jason Cammisa have to say about the car we'd love to own: Jason Cammisa's Volkswagen Scirocco Jay Leno's Garage | Jay Leno's Garage
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