1977 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO GLS - 4Star Classics

"CLASSIC OF THE DAY"

FROM

   

1977 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO GLS

 

SPECIFICATION

• 28,435 Mileage:
• 109 Top Speed:
• 1977 Year:
• 11 0 - 60:
• November 15 MOT Expiry:
• 85 BHP:
• SORN Tax Expiry:
• 4-Speed Manual Transmission:
• Cobolt Blue Exterior Colour:
• 1588cc Engine Capacity:
• Sahara Beige Interior Colour:
• Inline 4 Engine Configuration:

MODEL HISTORY

Volkswagen began work on the Scirocco during the early 1970s as the replacement for the aging Karmann Ghia coupe, and designated it the Typ 53 internally. The platform of the Golf was used to underpin the new Scirocco, although almost every part of the car was re-engineered in favour of a sportier drive, and the model's all-new styling, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, was sleeker and sportier than that of the Golf.

Launched six months before the Golf, in order to resolve any teething troubles before production of the high volume hatchback started, the Scirocco went on sale in Europe in 1974 and in the UK in 1975. The first incarnations of the Sciroccos were driven by the new VW/Audi 1471cc overhead camshaft engine coupled with an all-synchromesh 4 speed gearbox or 3 speed automatic driving the front wheels and fuelled by a carburetor. For October 1975, the engine capacity had been increased to 1588cc (the same unit used in the Golf Gti) and for aerodynamic reasons the twin windscreen wipers were replaced with a distinctive single arm that swept the entire screen. This would be a Scirocco feature and be carried over into the early versions of the Mk2.

In October 1976, for the 1977 model year, the TS was replaced by the GLS. The GLS was mechanically identical but featured interior and trim revisions of vinyl and cord upholstery (replacing the tartan trim of the TS), part carpeted door cards, laminated windscreen, tinted windows, standard rear wash/wipe and revised control stalks, steering wheel and ventilation system. Externally the GLS carried a plastic front spoiler.

In May 1975 Safer Motoring Magazine road tested the new Scirocco with the infamous Peter Noad commenting, "the Scirocco is at its best on faster corners, open roundabouts, and suchlike, where it is one of the safest cars on the road." He also added, "the grip in the wet is particularly outstanding and this, coupled to almost perfect balance and excellent steering feel makes this VW a real joy to drive."

Jeremy Clarkson initially thought he wanted a Golf GTI. But having 'discovered' the Scirocco he decided that was this VW for him, buying one upon his arrival in London and covering 54,000 happy miles in it in a single year. Perhaps it was the Scirocco's go kart like handling that endeared it to him so much.

This particular example is extremely rare as VW only manufactured the chrome bumpered 1588cc GLS for one year. The Scirocco was face lifted in 1978 where the stunning chrome bumpers were replaced with a plastic wrap around style. The front wings were revised, again to incorporate a wraparound front indicator. According to the DVLA only 9 other chrome bumper GLS's remain.
FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT:
Volkswagen Scirocco 
all text & images property of 4Star Classics