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Photo of a Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen's first front-drive coupe reached the road before the Golf in 1974.12

Researched November 1, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0150300
49–276 hpPower
07501,500
750–1,450 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.24

Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive2
Built at
Mk1/2: Karmann, Osnabrück, Germany; Mk3: Autoeuropa, Palmela, Portugal29

The story

Named for a Sahara wind, Giugiaro's Scirocco replaced the Karmann Ghia with a water-cooled, front-drive 2+2 coupe whose large tailgate and folding rear seats made it useful every day.134

1974: Before the Golf: just 800 kg19741976: K-Jetronic brings the GTI19761981: More room, still on Golf I bones19811985: 16 valves and 208 km/h19851992: September 7: the Mk2 signs off19922008: A comeback after 16 years20082013: One million earns a special edition20132014: Facelift R: 276 hp, 5.5 seconds20142017: The third generation bows out2017 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Type 14): 1955–1974 (Germany)Type 14Volkswagen Scirocco I (Type 53): 1974–1981Type 53Volkswagen Scirocco III (Type 13): 2008–2017Type 13 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones2349161921
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1955–1974 (Germany)Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Type 14)
1974–1981Volkswagen Scirocco I (Type 53)
2008–2017Volkswagen Scirocco III (Type 13)
1974Before the Golf: just 800 kg
1976K-Jetronic brings the GTI
1981More room, still on Golf I bones
198516 valves and 208 km/h
1992September 7: the Mk2 signs off
2008A comeback after 16 years
2013One million earns a special edition
2014Facelift R: 276 hp, 5.5 seconds
2017The third generation bows out
  1. 1974

    Before the Golf: just 800 kg

    Ahead of the Golf, the Scirocco arrives with water-cooled, front-drive engineering and 1.1/1.5-liter engines making 49-84 hp.34

  2. 1976

    K-Jetronic brings the GTI

    The 108 hp 1.6-liter GTI gets mechanical K-Jetronic injection, ventilated front discs and anti-roll bars; the equally powerful GLI takes a luxury route.35

  3. 1981

    More room, still on Golf I bones

    Karmann again builds the Scirocco II in Osnabrück. The Golf I platform stays, while the longer body brings more room and a Cd of 0.38.16

  4. 1985

    16 valves and 208 km/h

    The 1.8-liter 16V reaches 208 km/h. In 1986, Car and Driver tests the U.S. 16V at 8.0 seconds from 0-60 mph.127

  5. 1992

    September 7: the Mk2 signs off

    The second generation ends after 291,497 cars, with the last Scirocco leaving the Osnabrück production line on September 7.5

  6. 2008

    A comeback after 16 years

    Built at Autoeuropa in Palmela, Portugal, the Mk3 adds TSI petrols and a 138 hp, 320 Nm 2.0 TDI diesel to the formula.8910

  7. 2013

    One million earns a special edition

    The Million marks output passing one million, with an R-Line bodykit, orange-stitched black leather and smoked taillights for Germany and China.11

  8. 2014

    Facelift R: 276 hp, 5.5 seconds

    The R rises to 276 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds with DSG; the wider update brings Euro 6 engines and three extra instruments.9

  9. 2017

    The third generation bows out

    Volkswagen ends third-generation Scirocco production without a successor.24

Every generation

  • Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
    Type 141955–1974 (Germany)
  • Volkswagen Scirocco I
    Type 531974–1981
  • Volkswagen Scirocco III
    Type 132008–2017

Power over the years

From 108 hp to 276 hp in 38 years.

0100200300 197519801985199019952000200520102015 hp 1976 · 108 hp · Mk1 GTI 1.61985 · 137 hp · Germany: 1.8 16V, no catalyst1986 · 123 hp · U.S. 1.8 16V2008 · 197 hp · 2.0 TSI, 280 Nm2009 · 168 hp · 2.0 TDI, 350 Nm2009 · 208 hp · 2.0 TSI, 280 Nm2009 · 261 hp · R 2.0 TSI, 350 Nm2013 · 175 hp · 2.0 TDI, 380 Nm2014 · 148 hp · 2.0 TDI BMT, 320 Nm2014 · 217 hp · 2.0 TSI BMT, 350 Nm2014 · 276 hp · Facelift R 2.0 TSI, 350 Nm2015 · 181 hp · 2015 2.0 TDI, 380 Nm 276 hp Facelift R 2.0 TSI, 350 Nm 108 hp Mk1 GTI 1.6
1239101213
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1976108Mk1 GTI 1.6
1985137Germany: 1.8 16V, no catalyst
1986123U.S. 1.8 16V
20081972.0 TSI, 280 Nm
20091682.0 TDI, 350 Nm
20092082.0 TSI, 280 Nm
2009261R 2.0 TSI, 350 Nm
20131752.0 TDI, 380 Nm
20141482.0 TDI BMT, 320 Nm
20142172.0 TSI BMT, 350 Nm
2014276Facelift R 2.0 TSI, 350 Nm
20151812015 2.0 TDI, 380 Nm

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Scirocco II 16V

    Performance

    Scirocco II 16V

  • Scirocco R

    Performance

    Scirocco R

    2009–2017

  • Scirocco GTS (II and III)

    Special

    Scirocco GTS (II and III)

  • Special

    GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition (Mk3)

    2016

  • Special

    Scirocco Million

    2013

  • White Cat and Tropic (Mk2)

    Limited

    White Cat and Tropic (Mk2)

    1985–1986

  • Storm (Mk1 and Mk2, UK)

    Limited

    Storm (Mk1 and Mk2, UK)

  • Sidewinder, Champagne, S, Wolfsburg and Slegato

    Special

    Sidewinder, Champagne, S, Wolfsburg and Slegato

How to spot one

Look for

  • Mk1: crisp wedge profile, a long hood and a short fastback with an integrated spoiler.1
  • Mk2: a longer, softer wedge with a spoiler crossing the rear hatch glass.25
  • Mk3: VW badge on the hood above a narrow gloss-black strip between the headlights.19
  • Mk3: long roof, upright tailgate and broad shoulders beneath a narrower roof.19

Year by year

  1. Mk1, 1976 model year

    Two wipers became one large arm that parks on the passenger side.23

  2. Mk1, 1978 model year

    Wraparound front indicators and plastic-covered bumpers arrived, with black B-pillars.1

  3. Mk2, final model year

    Late GT II cars gained extra turn signals on the sides.15

  4. Mk3, 2014 facelift

    Reprofiled bumpers and standard LED taillights arrived; optional xenon headlights gained LED daytime running lights.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volkswagen Scirocco
    Scirocco
    Photo of a Peugeot RCZ
    Peugeot RCZ

    Peugeot RCZ

    The Mk3 has a hatchback-like rear; the RCZ has concave rear glass, silver roof rails and a pop-up spoiler.20

  • Photo of a Volkswagen Scirocco
    Scirocco
    Photo of a DeLorean DMC
    DeLorean DMC

    DeLorean DMC

    Early Mk2 cars have outlined SCIROCCO lettering below the rear-glass spoiler; US versions share the DeLorean's quad-headlight look.212

Against its rivals

  • Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi 163 GT

    Scirocco vs Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi 163 GT

    Peak torque

    Scirocco340 Nm
    Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi 163 GT320 Nm
    20

Prices

Value today $9.5K–$27.5K2829

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 1990200020102020 Value today: $9,500–$27,500 1986 · $12,300 · US 16V base1986 · $13,885 · US 16V as tested 2023 · $25,500 · 1986 16V, previous sale, Bring a Trailer2023 · $40,000 · 1980 Scirocco, previous sale, Bring a Trailer2024 · $10,500 · 1978, 103k shown; total mileage unknown, BaT2024 · $12,500 · Modified 1981 S, 139k shown; true mileage unknown, BaT2025 · $10,550 · 1988 16V, 173k miles shown, BaT2025 · $6,800 · 1982 1.7-liter, 112k miles shown, BaT2026 · $14,999 · 1986 16V, repaint, Techtonics exhaust, 89k mi, Bring a Trailer2026 · $9,500 · 1980 4-speed, repaint, 134k miles shown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $27,500 · 1980 Callaway turbo, 5-speed, 34k miles shown, Bring a Trailer $40.0K Bring a Trailer, 2023
728293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1986Price when new$12,300US 16V base
1986Price when new$13,885US 16V as tested
2023Auction sale$25,5001986 16V, previous sale, Bring a Trailer
2023Auction sale$40,0001980 Scirocco, previous sale, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$10,5001978, 103k shown; total mileage unknown, BaT
2024Auction sale$12,500Modified 1981 S, 139k shown; true mileage unknown, BaT
2025Auction sale$10,5501988 16V, 173k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,8001982 1.7-liter, 112k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,9991986 16V, repaint, Techtonics exhaust, 89k mi, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$9,5001980 4-speed, repaint, 134k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$27,5001980 Callaway turbo, 5-speed, 34k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Value today$9,500–$27,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “50 black Sciroccos and a future Formula 1 driver”
    • “Class one-twos on gasoline and natural gas”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 3 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Scirocco - Chronology | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  2. Volkswagen Scirocco - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Scirocco I (1974–1980) | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  4. Volkswagen Scirocco (Mk1, 1974-1981) icon review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  5. Scirocco | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  6. Scirocco II (1981–1992) | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  7. 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco 16V Tested: an Amazing Transformation caranddriver.com
  8. Used Volkswagen Scirocco review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. Scirocco III (2008–2017) | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  10. Engine versions Scirocco III profile | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  11. VW Scirocco Million special edition | evo evo.co.uk
  12. 2008 Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI - Volkswagen Sport Hatchback Review - Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  13. New Volkswagen Scirocco prices announced | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  14. Volkswagen Scirocco Special Editions | Johnsons Volkswagen johnsonscars.co.uk
  15. VW Scirocco II – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  16. Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2 Buying Guide - Petrolicious petrolicious.com
  17. Volkswagen Scirocco GTS heads 2016 special edition lineup | evo evo.co.uk
  18. Champagne Edition quizzical-wescoff-a5c0f3.netlify.app
  19. The New Scirocco – International Driving Presentation Portugal, June 2008 | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  20. VW Scirocco vs Peugeot RCZ | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. VW Scirocco buying guide - VW Scirocco buying checkpoints | evo evo.co.uk
  23. 1983 Volkswagen Bi-Motor Scirocco 360/4 Prototype story-cars.com
  24. The green gas guzzler September 2009 - Motor Sport Magazine motorsportmagazine.com
  25. Tidings Of Comfort And Joy From Gran Turismo – PlayStation.Blog blog.playstation.com
  26. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  27. Motorsport Winners motorsportwinners.com
  28. No Reserve: 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,500 on October 9, 2026 (Lot #267,519) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: Callaway-Turbocharged 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,500 on October 10, 2026 (Lot #267,695) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 1986 Volkswagen Scirocco 16V for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,999 on March 18, 2026 (Lot #234,042) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco 16V for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,550 on September 12, 2025 (Lot #209,740) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1982 Volkswagen Scirocco for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,800 on September 7, 2025 (Lot #208,868) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 1978 Volkswagen Scirocco for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,500 on December 13, 2024 (Lot #173,907) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: Modified 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco S 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on January 8, 2024 (Lot #132,780) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • volkswagen-newsroom.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • caranddriver.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • johnsonscars.co.uk
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • petrolicious.com
  • quizzical-wescoff-a5c0f3.netlify.app
  • story-cars.com
  • motorsportmagazine.com
  • blog.playstation.com

Photo credits

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