A Sporty ’90 VW Corrado Ready for Custom Touches
Performance
Sports Cars
Classics
European
Sporty cars from the 1980s and 1990s have become hot classic cars lately. But some deserving models continue to escape notice. Case in point: this lightly modified 1990 Volkswagen Corrado recently listed for sale on eBay.
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The Corrado was a sports coupe based on the ever-popular Golf hatchback - opens in new window or tab.. At a glance, the relatively expensive Corrado could easily be mistaken for its more affordable sibling. That might explain why the Corrado escaped the notice of mainstream buyers.
Volkswagen offered two engine options with the Carrado in the US. A supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder provides 158 horsepower to early models like the eBay car badged as Corrado G60. Later cars badged as the Corrado SLC used the VR6 narrow-angle V-6 that gave 188 hp.
While some enthusiasts naturally flock to the more powerful six, these supercharged G60 cars can be just as delightful to drive.
A Blank Slate
The Corrado offered on eBay isn’t perfect. The seller notes some faded paint, inoperative air conditioning, and an aftermarket radio that needs rewiring. It might be time to consider a new stereo from eBay Motors - opens in new window or tab.. Also, the big aftermarket subwoofer is taking up a lot of room in the hatch, while something smaller would add to the utility of this VW as a daily driver.
The interior looks quite good for a 30-year-old car. It could use a good detailing, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Maybe adding a traditional golf-ball shift knob like those originally fitted to the GTI would be a nice touch?
We appreciate the tasteful aftermarket additions already in place. Volkswagens can be a blank slate upon which dozens of incongruous modifications are inflicted. Thankfully, the previous owners showed tasteful restraint.
The alloy wheels on this example are a modern interpretation of the classic “snowflake” wheels - opens in new window or tab. once found on the GTI. Coilover shocks aid the Corrado’s already aggressive stance. Raising the ride height a touch will likely pay huge dividends in ride quality.
The seller notes that the unusual supercharger was rebuilt in the past. These are known to be a weak point on cars when they roll out of the factory. So the rebuilt unit is reassuring. Also, with the blower and the aftermarket exhaust - opens in new window or tab. installed here, the Corrado should make lovely sounds as it cruises.
It’s not perfect, but this 1990 Volkswagen Corrado G60, which was listed with a Buy-It-Now price of $11,500, is just a few tweaks away from becoming something special: a worry-free daily driver that’s also an emerging classic sports car.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.