1986 Volkswagen Scirocco 16V GTX Euro Model - Model Portfolio - Video

The 16V cars from Volkswagen were a huge hit in the latter half of the 80s. We were all mesmerized at the prospect of owning a car with 4 valves per cylinder, like the supercars had. The VW 16V engine has also stood the test of time (and teenage-torture). It's turned out to be a great, bullet-proof little motor with very good tuning potential.

From Volkswagen Press Release:

In July 1985, the most powerful production Scirocco of its times appeared: the GTI/GTX could move at 208 km/h with a 1.8 liter, 16-valve engine and Bosch KA-Jetronic. Volkswagen had adapted the storming whirlwind to the higher power output with rear disk brakes, reinforced transverse links and driveshafts, and a larger rear –spoiler. It now accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h 8.1 seconds. Used in tandem with the three-way catalytic converter, which was still mandatory at that time, was the 129 PS engine that was also used in the Golf; without the exhaust-cleaning converter it could even deliver 139 PS. “Valves like those of a world champion” was the title of Volkswagen advertising for the Scirocco with the red “16V” emblem in the grille that was built until 1990.

The last version built, the “GT II 16V”, was sumptuously equipped with steel sunroof, tinted glass, power steering and height-adjustable sport seats. In the last model year, three-point seatbelts were added to the rear bench seat as were side turn signal lights. But the days of the second generation of Sciroccos were numbered – the last of 291,497 units built left the assembly plant halls on September 7, 1992. Looking back, the Scirocco was clearly an exceptional success for nearly two decades. And now it’s time to continue this brilliant outcome; the third generation of the Scirocco has the potential to do just that.

Pictured: Scirocco GTX 16V (1986): 1.8-liter gasoline engine with 95 kW/129 bhp, 5-gear manual transmission, Mars red.

Scirocco GTX Commercial:


Volkswagen Scirocco 16V U.S. Dealer Video: