The Volkswagen Scirocco Rekindles A Forgotten Fury

You could say that Jason Cammisa knows cars. With a day job at Road & Track, he has full access to the world’s best vehicles—but still comes back to his humble Volkswagen Scirocco.

“This car definitely changed the path of my life because it forced me to be a mechanic,” Cammisa says, “I was in college…there was no way I would have been able to keep this car—I don’t think I could still have this car—if I had to pay somebody to work on it.”

Most owners would look at its constant maintenance requirements as a negative, but he says that, ultimately, it’s a valuable experience.

Even though he most often prefers the handling and driving dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive machine, the Scirocco’s balance and familiarity mean that it’s always been his favourite car. For a Senior Editor at Road & Track, that’s a big deal!

“The biggest surprise that people get is that I’ll leave a Bugatti Veyron Supersport or Porsche 918 Hybrid, and all I want to do is go home and drive my Scirocco,” he says. “It’s just that lovely combination of ‘reliable enough’, ‘fast enough’, ‘modern enough’ but raw—and works as the perfect bar for me to judge modern cars against.”

But the future worries him. “What’s going to happen when I’m a 60-year-old, and I need a water pump for it,” Cammisa says. “I hope one day this car is worth 100 grand, only so that it’s in someone’s best interest to please make me a fender—because the fenders ran out in 1999.”

With hopes car companies will start to provide more support for enthusiasts, Cammisa can at least be happy knowing that he owns one of the cleanest Sciroccos anywhere.

Drive Tastefully®

[ravesilly]

I agree with his statement that more companies need to listen to their enthusiast base and continue to make parts for those who need

[LogansRun]

How can you possibly thumb down this? The message at the very end was very powerful for car enthusiast everywhere.

[prathameshsundaram]

Glad to find Jason Camissa here with another great story about how much he loves his VW

[nboy]

This car looks like the lovechild of an Audi Quattro and a DeLorean DMC12.

[jcarlton]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I purchased and owned a 1985 Scirocco Wolfsburg edition blk/blk new.  I drove that car from Alabama to Maine several times attending college. I put 110k miles on the odometer. I still reminisce about the handling and power that this car had. I have compared every car purchase I have made since to this excellent machine.  Sadly my brother blew-up the engine in 1990 but the body of the car was still at my father's house in Birmingham the last time I was there in 2010.  Jason's story took me back with a fondness and desire of a vehicle that was for me, pure driving pleasure. Much appreciated.

[kevindematteis]

my dad had a black 87 scirocco 16v held onto it for as long as he could. miss that car

[swiper]

My first car was a Scirocco GTI - fantastic car and miss it 35 years later - yours looks like what we would have calle a Scirocco Storm special edition in the UK

[rksrt]

Best car I've ever owned! I bought a 85 Scirocco brand new, put 350k miles on it and sold it after 26 years. Wish I still had after watching this video. thanks for the

[Loopsrainforest]

God I miss my Scirocco. The sound of the ignition brought me back 20 years and how has no manufacturer been able to make such a great steering wheel, seats and dash.

[nadersoli]

He is an artist with words. I love you, Jason.

[erm]

Jason, hope you still have this Scirocco. Favorite car in from and function. Had a 86’ and change it for a Corrado. Also excellent car. It the Scirocco 16v is still one for the most beautiful designs ever.

[Pietervdv]

I hesitated to watch this video because, let's face it, it's about a bloody Scirocco. Then I realized this channel is about the people behind the cars, so I decided to watch it anyway and hear the guy out. Turns out it's one of the most interesting videos on the channel, imagine that! :)

[SparksofOhio]

I’ve owned a 1976 Scirocco, two 1982 Sciroccos, and one 1987 16V Scirocco, I’ve never owned another car that gave me as much joy to drive as my VW Sciroccos. ❤️✌️😎

[csnyd]

These cars are absolutely beautiful. Miss mine.

[deepocean]

My first sirocco was a 1976 – my first car. then, I got a 79 and then an 84. Love those cars. Good to see someone else enjoying them

[Fugue]

Wow I never knew Jason had a Scirocco. I respect him more now.

[bryanlatimer]

I owned 3 of these...had a red 84 8v then a white 87 16v and lastly a very customized white 16v. Still miss it very much. It was so simple and raw. you could really feel the road thru the steering rack and my second one with borla exhaust would literally cruise at 140mph.

[muhammadfadil]

Simple men with simple car, nice one PETROLICIOUS !!!!

[davidlgti]

Hoping you still have this Scirocco. A real gem.

[romflo]

my 1st car was an '87 16v. back then oem and aftermarket parts were available. i upgraded the suspension with neuspeed springs, front and rear stress bars and adjustable tokico shocks, low profile tires and bbs mesh rims. it handled like it was on rails and superfun.