The VW Scirocco survived two generations between 1974-92 and was succeeded by the more popular Corrado (not counting the Mk3 introduced in '08). Because of their age, most Sciroccos are barely clunking around small towns or they're hidden away in junkyards. If you find one, don't be surprised to find a blown motor, shredded interior and/or rusted chassis. But a few devoted owners still uphold the legacy with restored and tuned examples.
Paul Brooker from Minneapolis, MN is one of the diehard few. He's clung onto his '84 model for the last eight years and his story began with a joyride in his good friend Chuck Whitney's Mk1 Scirocco. "We went through some twisty roads and I'll never forget it. I told myself I was going to get one. Since that first ride, my mind has always been set on Sciroccos. I've never been in a better-handling car. I love the body lines and they're different from the norm," Paul explained
Residing in Phoenix, AZ at the time, Chuck helped Paul get a job at Affordable German. At age 15, Paul had no knowledge of the VAG family. "Back in the day, my dad would tell me to grab a screwdriver and I'd come back with a set of pliers," Paul laughed.
He learned quickly by pulling parts and eventually gained enough knowledge to turn wrenches. Once he moved to Minnesota, he connected with SCI Performance where he became a full-time technician.
Now 26, Paul has owned 14 Volkswagens including two Sciroccos. He admitted his first Rocco fell short of glory. The car was a wreck, so Paul had to find another specimen. The perfect subject was an adequate '84 shell for $150.
With a blank canvas, Paul thought he could reinstate the Mk2 Scirocco to a daily driver. But things snowballed to the point where he couldn't to commute in it, especially during the rusty winters in Minnesota. So he picked up a Mk4 20th Anniversary GTI to drive daily, while the Scirocco developed in the garage. "I worked at SCI during the day and went straight home to tinker on the car at night," Paul told us. "What else are you going to do when its -40 outside?"
Reminiscent of the crazy car builders in Sweden and Norway we've featured, the long winters in the Midwest gave Paul more time to ponder and play with his beloved Rocco.
Dash looks brand-new except...
Dash looks brand-new except for the Sparco steering wheel
Paul could have easily fitted the 123hp, 120 lb-ft 1.8 liter 16v originally offered by the factory. But by '09 standards, that engine was lackluster. Instead, he decided to swap-in a 2.0 16v. After going through three engine blocks, he used a Passat bottom-end to transplant into the empty bay. But before he knew it, Paul figured he'd go the extra mile with a bored 2.1 liter block, while the crank was polished and 16v head ported and polished. Increasing airflow through the head, Paul completed a five-angle valve job. Techtonics cams, cam gear and heavy-duty valve springs opened up the top-end, while exhaust gases were pushed out via a Techtonics race header and a 2.25" stainless steel system.
The Euro parts gurus will appreciate the 50mm intake manifold and A/C bracket Paul fitted. He continued his diligence by rewiring the car from the fuse box forward.
"I rebuilt it because the engine gets hot, causing the wiring to get hard and crack." Paul also pulled out the unnecessary wiring and reinforced the remaining electronics.