Stock 16 Valve: 1988 VW Scirocco – SOLD!

October 14, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Mark II Volkswagens were once everywhere, reflecting the variety of its product line. Economy cars, family sedans and wagons, and of course, hot hatches and entry-level sports cars. Those days are gone now, and all that remains is whatever turns up for sale and is usually in poor condition. Fortunately, enthusiasts still buy GTIs and Sciroccos, and cars like this 1988 VW Scirocco 16V originally listed on Craigslist in October 2021 in Alpharetta, Georgia for $6,500 with good history and lots of spares reminds us there are still some decent MK2s out there.  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool shows us model experts like Hagerty are bullish on the Scirocco’s potential, with an “Excellent” condition example valued at $24,000 and a “Good” condition model valued at $13,700, both well above the seller’s asking price.

Now, the Scirocco and I have a bit of history together. I mention that as a disclaimer regarding my opinion of the vehicle. Yes, it’s somewhat iconic in the automaker’s lineup, but pretty much any half-decent sports car VW was able to put together got top marks from road test editors at the time. I owned a Scirocco 16V for a very short while before deciding it wasn’t for me; my chief gripe being it felt like an economy car with a frenzied engine, which just generally led to feelings of the Scirocco being an assortment of desirable components but nothing worth owning long term. Plenty of Scirocco owners disagree, as these cars offer lots of value as it relates to eyeball appeal; cheap parts cost; and being generally easy to modify with no major obstacles to putting your own touches on it. It just wasn’t for me, but apparently, Hagerty and others think there are endless owners willing to step up and spend top dollar for one of these four-cylinder hatchbacks.

The MotorWeek RetroReview YouTube Channel features a road test of this generation of VW Scirocco when it launched in the middle of the 1986 model year:

The seller has addressed several areas that are ripe for improvement on the Scirocco chassis, including upgraded brakes, Koni Red shocks, new shifter bushings, and the big one: a rebuilt head. The 16V Scirocco, like so many other cars, features an interference engine, meaning if a timing belt snaps, all sorts of calamities will unfold. For the seller, he learned this the hard way, which is why the engine benefits not only from a new head but also new valves and guides, along with an upgraded European-market camshaft for a “while you’re in there” upgrade. The seller reports some other flaws, including power windows that are glitchy, a problem I personally encountered with my Scirocco, and the only real answer is to rebuild the power window motors or convert them to manual crank windows. Speaking of timing belts, the seller reports the Scirocco is due for a fresh belt, as it’s been over seven years since it was last done, and you don’t want to have to perform another head job. Good luck with the purchase if you take this rare Scirocco 16V home.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“88 Scirocco 16V white with Black interior, overall very good condition
86.5 16V motor (I did the motor swap from a previous scirocco I owned)
euro camshafts
fuel enrichment kit
head rebuilt 30K miles ago with all new valves, guides, etc. after timing belt broke,
~115K still has lots of power, doesn’t burn oil
Cross drilled rotors, stainless steel brake lines
Koni Red Shocks
New rear hatch shocks
New shifter bushings
Original teardrop wheels
Power Windows – Drivers works, Passengers side doesn’t but I have a replacement motor (not tested)
Recently replaced Stereo with Bluetooth, handsfree, 2 amps, and Subwoofer
Air Conditioning has been converted to R134A
Exterior – original paint, two small spots of rust, rust on the underside of hood
Interior – good condition, missing the trays under the steering wheel (Have the trays in a box), Drivers seat doesn’t fold forward (broken cable I think), Headliner has a few small rips, Sunroof works, but needs alignment (it rubs)

Oil and brake fluid just changed and coolant was tested OK.
Timing belt only has 30K miles but is over 7 years old so it is recommend to change

Needs: Tires

Extras: I have an OEM replacement scirocco hood that hasn’t been primed, and a windshield off a 86.5 Scirocco 16V, extra speedo cluster, extra floor mats, spare teardrop wheel, Box of miscellaneous parts. Make offers on extra parts.“

Do you have a Volkswagen Scirocco story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!