Part of a lineage of 2+2 coupes that stretches right back to the 1955 Karmann Ghia, the Volkswagen Corrado overlapped, then eventually replaced the Mk2 Scirocco after it was launched in 1988. Manufactured by Karmann, it shared a platform with the Mk2 Golf, but had sportier, more muscular styling.
This G60 variant seen here, up for auction on Car & Classic, is powered by a supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 160hp. The Corrado’s power and poise earned it critical acclaim during its seven years on sale, but a high asking price – starting at over £20,000 in 1994 – meant less than 100,000 cars were made.
In a 2003 episode of Top Gear, Richard Hammond described the Corrado as “a kind of classic waiting in the wings”. Today, it’s no longer waiting…
A fine whine
Car & Classic’s G60 is in excellent condition, following a recent five-figure restoration. This included a full rebuild of both the engine and supercharger: the latter responsible for the G60’s distinctive whining soundtrack. The Corrado also benefits from a glass-out respray by an award-winning Volkswagen specialist.
Other elements of the car’s exterior are in excellent condition. There are no signs of rust or corrosion on its underside, while the refurbished BBS alloy wheels are period-correct and look fantastic.
The typically solid interior is also well presented, with only minor signs of wear in the usual locations, plus some thoughtful touches such as new old-stock floor mats.
Winds of change
The car has driven less than 100 miles since its restoration, and all the work has been carefully documented. An A4 binder contains plenty of service history and invoices, along with the Corrado’s original handbook and three keys.
You can buy a Corrado today for less than £10,000, although a low-mileage example of the special edition VR6 Storm sold for £25,000 last year.
Car & Classic’s auction of this 1991 Volkswagen Corrado G60, in association with Retro Motor, is live now and runs until 16 October 2023. The sale price is expected to be between £10,000 and £12,000.
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