By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
If you’re looking for a lively sports coupe blending style and exceptional handling then how about taking a look at the Volkswagen Corrado?
Twenty-eight years ago, production ended but not before the Corrado had given rivals like the Porsche 944 and Audi’s performance models a good run for their money.
The front-wheel-drive car was built on the platform of a Golf Mk2 and initially launched with a choice of 1.8 engines – one a 16-valve Golf GTI unit and the other a supercharged 1.8 litre capable of 160 bhp, known as the G60.
Further variants were added in 1992 including a 2.0 litre 16-valve and impressive 12-valve VR6 engine. The latter comprised a powerful 2.9 litre unit achieving 190 bhp and would really boost the car’s appeal as a high performance motor.
Interestingly, its name didn’t follow the tradition of naming Volkswagen cars after a ‘wind’. The Corrado came from the Spanish verb ‘Correr meaning ‘to run’ or ‘sprint’, however the prototype of the car did have a wind-related name, the Typhoon.
The Corrado was superbly built with eye-catching lines. The price wasn’t bad either with buyers able to pick up a VR6 model for around £25,000.
In return, they got a car mixing quality, great handling and German efficiency.
By 1992 it had superceded its ‘stablemate’, the Scirocco, after being sold alongside one another.
A limited edition VR Storm would round off the Corrado story with 500 produced for the UK market in 1995.
Bosses at Volkswagen might have expected more of a car brimming with features and power, and by the mid-nineties they were keen to focus on the mass market sellers in their marque, such as the Golf and Passat.
Today, there are just 1,200 Corrados on UK roads and many of these have been modified. Original good condition examples can be found for around £10,000 and the VR6 and G60 models can reach £15,000.
For the rarer Storm limited edition, prices top £20,000. That’s if you can find one!