1976 Volkswagen Scirocco Type 53

Vintage Machinery.
Still Developing.

A first-generation Scirocco built for competition without losing what makes the car interesting in the first place.

Photo: Nate Bronkema
1976Type 53 Chassis
2.0LABA 8 Valve
~1,600LB Race Weight
799Competition Number
Build Specification

What's In
The Car.

Engine

BlockABA 2.0L 8V · 1.8L head
CarbsDual Weber 40 DCOE
InternalsDbilas cam · forged pistons

Drivetrain

LayoutFront-wheel drive
GearboxVW 020 manual
DifferentialQuaife ATB

Chassis

SuspensionGround Control · KONI
Control ArmsTech-53 tubular
BrakesGirling 60 · Tilton bias

Wheels & Tires

WheelsATS Mesh / Ronal R8
Size15 inch
TiresHoosier A7
Built To Be Driven

Watch 799
Run.

Watch the runs, with photos from each event. More photos →

Scirocco 799 at the 2026 Empire Hill Climb2026 · Empire Hill ClimbP3 · 24.147Watch the run → Scirocco 799 at the 2026 Grattan Fall Track Sprints2026 · Grattan Track SprintsP3 · 92.415Watch the run → Scirocco 799 at the 2025 Waumandee Time Trials2025 · Waumandee Time TrialsFTD · 2:42.69Watch on YouTube →
The Scirocco Story

Born In
1974.

Technical-style line drawing of the 799 Volkswagen Scirocco Type 53 in side profile, traced from a 2026 Empire Hill Climb photo
Fig. 799 · The 1976 Type 53Read the Scirocco history →

Styled by Giugiaro, built by Karmann and launched at the 1974 Geneva Motor Show, the Type 53 was the first Scirocco. 799 is one of those first-generation cars, still racing fifty years later.

Read The Full History
The Build

Never
Finished.

799 is not a static show build. Brakes, suspension, power, aero, reliability and driver confidence all get evaluated through competition. Changes have to make sense on the clock and in the paddock.

Hill ClimbTime TrialTrack SprintDevelopment

See It
Compete.

The build only matters because the car gets used. See the results and follow the race program.

View Racing