1975 Volkswagen Scirocco I TS – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

Styled by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Volkswagen Scirocco adopted a sharp, wedge-shaped silhouette that immediately set it apart from the more upright Golf. The low nose, raked windshield, and fastback rear created a compact but dynamic profile, giving the Volkswagen Scirocco a distinctly sporty presence without excessive ornamentation.

Technical Details:

The 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco I TS was technically closely related to the first-generation Volkswagen Golf, sharing its basic platform and drivetrain layout. The Scirocco used a front-mounted, transversely installed inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,588 cm³. This configuration drove the front wheels, reflecting Volkswagen’s early and consistent commitment to efficient packaging and predictable handling. The top speed of the Scirocco in this configuration was approximately 185 km/h, a respectable figure for a compact coupé of the mid-1970s.

Mechanically, the Scirocco benefitted from Volkswagen’s proven engineering approach. Over its production life, the model was offered with a wide range of engines sourced from the Golf and Passat programs, ranging from 1.4-liter units to more powerful 1.6-liter variants, including later fuel-injected GTI versions. By 1975, improvements had already been made to the braking system, reflecting Volkswagen’s incremental development strategy. Suspension layout, steering, and core mechanical components were largely identical to the Golf, ensuring durability and manageable running costs. While most parts were robust and affordable, body panels tended to be more expensive due to the car’s coupé-specific construction by Karmann. Overall, the Scirocco combined everyday mechanical reliability with a more performance-oriented tuning than Volkswagen’s standard hatchbacks.

• Manufacturer: Volkswagen
• Model name: Volkswagen Scirocco I TS
• Year of manufacturing: 1975

Design:

The design of the first-generation Volkswagen Scirocco is one of its defining characteristics. Styled by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car adopted a sharp, wedge-shaped silhouette that immediately set it apart from the more upright Golf. The low nose, raked windshield, and fastback rear created a compact but dynamic profile, giving the Scirocco a distinctly sporty presence without excessive ornamentation.

Aerodynamic refinement played a key role in the design process. Early wind tunnel testing in Wolfsburg led to the integration of front and rear spoilers as well as subtle rain gutters along the roofline. These details reduced wind noise and helped keep the side windows cleaner, contributing both to comfort and functionality. The wide doors and large opening angles made access to the 2+2 cabin surprisingly easy for a coupé.

Inside, the Scirocco balanced sportiness with everyday usability. The dashboard layout closely mirrored that of the Golf, but the instruments featured distinctive “pagoda-style” conical glass lenses to reduce glare. Depending on trim level, seats were upholstered in corduroy, patterned fabric, or optional synthetic leather, and offered multiple adjustment options. The TS version stood out with a three-spoke sports steering wheel featuring perforated aluminum spokes, a center console with additional gauges, and integrated headrests. The large rear hatch added practicality, reinforcing the Scirocco’s role as a sporty yet functional car.

Historical Significance:

Introduced in March 1974, the Volkswagen Scirocco arrived just ahead of the Golf, effectively serving as its sportier counterpart. Named after a hot desert wind from Africa, the Scirocco was conceived as the spiritual successor to the Karmann Ghia, offering a modern front-wheel-drive layout instead of a rear-engine configuration. Its body was built by Karmann, continuing a long-standing partnership with Volkswagen.

The Scirocco’s importance lies in how it helped redefine Volkswagen’s image during the 1970s. At a time when the company was transitioning away from air-cooled, rear-engined cars, the Scirocco demonstrated that front-wheel-drive platforms could also support stylish and engaging coupés. Over seven years, more than 504,000 units were sold, confirming strong market acceptance.

Technically, the Scirocco did not revolutionize Volkswagen engineering, but it showcased how shared platforms could be adapted into distinct products. The later introduction of the GT and GTI versions further reinforced the model’s sporting credentials and helped establish the idea of affordable performance within the Volkswagen lineup.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Thanks to its distinctive coupé shape, the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk I has become a recognizable background presence in films from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. While it rarely plays a central role, its sharp profile often catches the eye of car enthusiasts. A Mk I Scirocco appears in George A. Romero’s influential horror film, where it forms part of the everyday setting. Community reports and enthusiast archives also note its appearance in Silent Night, Deadly Night 2 (1987), where it features during a flashback scene. Additionally, a 1978 Scirocco Mk I can be spotted in Singles, a romantic comedy-drama set in Seattle. These appearances underline the car’s role as a visual marker of its era rather than a headline-grabbing star.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion:

The 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco I TS represents a key moment in Volkswagen’s transition to modern front-wheel-drive cars. Combining proven Golf-based engineering with Giugiaro’s sharp design, it delivered a balance of sportiness, practicality, and reliability. Its technical layout emphasized efficiency and durability, while its design projected a more expressive and youthful image for the brand. Historically, the Scirocco helped broaden Volkswagen’s appeal and demonstrated the flexibility of shared platforms. Today, it remains a distinctive reminder of how thoughtful design and solid engineering shaped compact sports coupés in the 1970s.