Cars of Coolhaven

As many a car manufacturer, VW is reviving an old classic as well. In 2008, a third generation Scirocco will shred through the streets. For now, let’s enjoy this Karmann-build old school Scirocco, still quite a nice thoroughbred little racer. A first generation (1974-1981) model, if I am not mistaken. If it wasn’t for the Alfa Romeo parked across the street, I would have never spotted this worn down dull-and-grey car. Still, I am happy to have spotted it, I remember these cars, they were nice and sporty, and apparently somebody is still fan enough tomaintain one. Well, barely, but anyhow.

Like this earlier air cooled coupe this inspired 70s wedge design by Guigaro was a model derived from the Golf. The Volkswage Scirocco provided the means of breaking in the new chassis and engine assembly line for the Golf, the car that was required to rescue Volkswagen from air cooled oblivion in the early 1970′s.

The engine came from an Audi predecessor (the Audi 80) where it had shown its viability as the front wheel drive, water-cooled engine needed for a car like this. The Scirocco was an unexpected hit in Germany, with 25,000 having been built 11 months into production, so from the very beginning the Scirocco was a key element of Volkswagens successful transition to a maker of quality and dependable water cooled cars. That it originally played this secondary role to the Golf, remains true to this day, however to end the story here, as many do, is to miss out on the similar but very different driving experience and the head turning good looks which this kamm style tailed coupe offers.