1979 VW Scirocco Storm Mk1 *Sold £33,000*

Description

• One owner car
• Full Rotisserie Body Restoration
• 21,500 miles Warranted
• Fully restored running gear
• MOT, ULEZ and Tax exempt

Italian design, German engineering and a name no-one had a clue what it meant; until the VW Scirocco Storm arrived.

The ‘Roccos have always had a cult following. The Storm takes that status to another level. Stored for many years. One owner. Fully overhauled, with a traceable history. There might be a storm brewing.

Volkswagen began work on the Scirocco during the early 1970s as the replacement for the aging Karmann Ghia coupe. It was a worthy successor. The Golf was used to underpin the new Scirocco, but almost every part of the car was re-engineered. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro the Scirocco was sleeker, sportier and eye-watering good looking. The Scirocco debuted at the 1973 Geneva Motor Show.

History

• First registered 22-10-1979
• Supplied by The Bromley Motor Works in Mason Hill, Bromley
• Mr Cox from Tadworth was the only owner
• He kept it until 1990
• Full VW service history
• Mileage on the last MOT – 21,510
• Extensive doc pack
• Two keys
• Original VAG owners pack, including Service Record
• Blaupunkt radio/manual
• Price list from Sept 1980
• Original sales brochure for the Storm outlining the specifications and equipment levels

After Mr Cox’s ownership, the VW Scirocco Storm went into hibernation. It was dry stored in a unit in South London until a random conversation with the team at Evoke Classics. It was at that point we knew we had to save it, being a FSH (until it was stored) one owner car it would have been sacrilege to have ignored the opportunity to bring it back to life.  On the 16^th February 2018 the deal was done. We had potentially one of the finest and the most unique examples of this iconic VW.  The work began in 2020.

Exterior

VW were keen to ensure the Mk1 Storm stood out. It is claimed by reliable sources only 578 Mk1 Storms were produced. All of them came to the UK market only.

The VW Scirocco Storm came with a number of unique factory fitted additions.

• Factory spec front body-coloured Zender spoiler
• Integrated air-dam
• Original alloy wheels
• Diamond Silver Green Metallic paint that was unique to the Storm

True to its roots, this Scirocco Storm proudly retains its original charm, boasting an exterior that beautifully showcases what this Storm looked like when it left the factory.

When Evoke Classics unearthed this low mileage, one owner example from a barn in south London we very swiftly bit the sellers hand off, metaphorically of course. With full intentions to restore the Storm to its former glory we started the restoration by literally stripping every single nut and bolt from the car.

We then went to town stripping any rust from the body. Although surprising solid and unmolested it was still brought back to bare metal before having any areas that had succumbed to the dreaded oxidation dealt with.  Once our award winning panel beaters were happy, it was then treated to copious amounts of primer.

Detailed images are in the Gallery, but you will see that the underside and engine bay have received the same treatment as the rest of the car.  Placed on a rotisserie there was not a bare piece of metal missed before the original Diamond Silver Green Metallic paint was liberally applied.

All the glass is original to the car, the windscreen even has the original factory “Please Note the starting and running in instructions are in the manual” sticker still applied and in perfect condition.

Interior

If VW intended the exterior to stand out, they threw the kitchen sink at the inside:

• Factory fitted black leather seats
• Matching door cards
• Three spoke sports steering wheel
• High quality carpet
• Original parcel shelf

Stepping into the cabin is like entering a sanctuary of comfort and sophistication. The supple black hide leather upholstery, aptly named “Storm,” envelops you in its luxurious embrace.

As you would expect from a 21,000 mile car they are still as firm and cossetting as they were when they left the factory.  With an almost ‘new’ appearance the seats provide a harmonious balance of comfort and sportiness—a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of this era. Admittedly, even with our meticulous eye, we noticed only a small blemish on the driver’s seat pad, an elegant reminder of the vehicle’s rich history.

The Wolfsburg steering wheel, wrapped in leather, has retained its original texture, evoking a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.  The factory wooden gear knob, a relic from a bygone era, is currently missing the centre but we’re in the progress of sourcing one.  As your gaze wanders further, the flawless deep pile carpets reveal themselves, untouched and free from any blemishes. In the rear there is some unusual unfortunately.  They are only original once so they have been retained.

The door pads and quarter trims are lovely and present well.  The headlining needed replacement and now looks fantastic.  Opening the boot reveals a spare wheel and a wonderfully presented boot floor.

Unfortunately, time ran out before the show to finish a couple of bits and bobs of final detail. There is a missing passenger side mirror interior adjusting knob and the drivers door speaker cover. These minor issues will hopefully be resolved prior to the auction ending but please note they are rare parts. If these minor items are a dealbreaker for you please do not bid.

All in all it is a genuine and original 21,000 mile interior that presents exceptionally well for a car that is now over forty years old.

Engine

• 1.6-litre in-line four cylinder GTi engine
• K-Jetronic fuel injection
• 110bhp
• 0-60 in 8.6 seconds
• Top speed of 115mph
• Stripped and inspected
• New cam belt
• Various ancillaries renewed

Unlocking the bonnet reveals a mechanical marvel that as we’ve mentioned before has only traversed a mere warranted 21,000 miles, testament to its careful custodianship prior to storage.  Not that it matters as we still felt the need to service the engine with the usual new timing belt, water pump, head gasket, crankshaft seal and fluids etc. The engine bay is immaculate as you expect from a fully restored car.  Every plastic and rubber component stands strong, defying the passage of time with their flawless condition. Notably, the nearside front suspension top, proudly stamped “West Germany,” serves as a reminder of the vehicle’s rich heritage.

A new fuel injection regulator was sourced and refurbished along with the obligatory replacement battery ensuring she starts first time.

And as expected with all that work, the engine purrs with silky smoothness, delivering performance that effortlessly transports you to another era. The 5-speed manual gearbox, renowned for its precision, offers a delightful shift through the gears, ensuring an engaging and exhilarating journey.

It is no surprise given that the engine was removed, taken apart and inspected before being cleaned, repainted and refitted with new parts where needed and refurbished ancillaries so as to present as well as it does.  Don’t take our word for it just check out the images.

Wheels, Tyres and other

• New exhaust silencer
• Brakes inspected and overhauled
• Four new shock absorbers
• New fuel pump and lines

Completing this automotive masterpiece are the five 13″ alloy wheels, testament to the VW Scirocco Storm’s timeless appeal. Again, all fully refurbished and wrapped in 175/70/13’s all round plus one in the boot, it speaks to the commitment to restoration that they are spotless as with everything else on the Storm. The front and rear brakes have been fully refurbished and fitted with new brake lines, seals, cylinders and pads.

Look under the car and you will see that the suspension legs, wishbones, rack, driveshafts have all been refurbished or renewed and fitted with new consumables all round.  A new rear box has been fitted plus new shock absorbers all round.

As you would expect the fuel pump and lines are new, along with all the filters whether that be fuel, oil or air.  Those that have engulfed themselves in nut and bolt restorations will understand that there is just too much to list and the costs generally spiral out of control, this example is literally no different. Again, testament to the full restoration that has left no stone unturned.

Our view

A Scirocco is a warm Mediterranean wind. Which is exactly the way this classic behaves under normal conditions. It is an exceptionally easy classic to live with and superbly practical.

However, when the situation changes, just like the wind, it can turn into a real storm. Unleashing all the power of the legendary GTi engine, linked to wonderfully balanced chassis and running gear turns the VW Scirocco Storm into a fun, grin inducing rewarding experience that you will want to repeat.

• Fully overhauled
• A focus on retaining originality
• Genuine 21,000 warranted mileage
• Limited build numbers
• Now very scarce
• Perfect addition to any collection

A three year meticulous restoration is always going to present well, especially when carried out by an award winning team that go that extra mile to get things right. We genuinely doubt that there is another VW Scirocco Storm available in this overall condition/ownership/history.  Add to that the full restoration and you are talking about a true one-off opportunity to own a unique classic car.

Vehicle Location: with Evoke Classics at Dagenham, Essex RM10– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this VW Scirocco Storm? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at team@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

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