Volkswagen’s Corrado, a vehicle once considered an ambitious and somewhat pricey departure for the “people’s car company,” has emerged as a highlight on the 2020 Hagerty Bull Market list. This distinctive coupe, born from a collaboration with Karmann, was Volkswagen’s attempt to create a true sports car – one that blended fun, practicality, beauty, and performance. Unlike the Scirocco, which shared Golf underpinnings, the Corrado boasted its own unique chassis and a supercharged iteration of VW’s eight-valve four-cylinder engine, known as the G60, thanks to its innovative G-Lader scroll-type supercharger.
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Boasting 158 horsepower, Volkswagen boldly claimed the Corrado outpaced the Porsche 944 in acceleration and reached a top speed of 140 mph. A defining feature was its motorized rear spoiler, which automatically deployed at higher speeds to enhance stability. However, this performance and exclusivity came at a cost, positioning the Corrado as the most expensive VW at the time, with a price tag of $17,900.
In 1992, Volkswagen replaced the G60 engine with the VR6, a compact V-6 engine with a narrow 15-degree V-angle. Despite this upgrade, the Corrado’s sales figures didn’t meet expectations, leading to its withdrawal from the U.S. market after 1995, with fewer than 100,000 units produced.
The model featured in this article is a 1990 variant, retaining the original supercharged engine, a feature increasingly rare as many G60 engines were swapped for VR6s. According to Hagerty member Jonathan Goncalves, the G60’s supercharger had a reputation for unreliability, often failing around the 60,000-mile mark. While the base engine is considered durable, preventative maintenance on the supercharger is crucial, with replacements costing upwards of $2500 – a price point that made the VR6 engine swap a more appealing option for some.
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While contemporary reviews sometimes criticized the G60 engine for its rough character, its responsive throttle and distinctive, deep rumble remain charming today. The Corrado offers a surprisingly spacious interior for both passengers and luggage, making it enjoyable on twisty roads and comfortable for highway cruising. Its rarity ensures exclusivity at car meets. Perhaps Volkswagen’s initial foray into Porsche territory simply needed three decades to become truly appreciated.
Pros:
- Strong community support
- Engaging driving experience
- VW’s pioneering attempt at a Porsche-rivaling sports car
- Greater rarity compared to the Scirocco
Cons:
- Difficulty in sourcing Corrado-specific parts
- G-Lader supercharger’s potential reliability issues
- Relatively unknown outside of VW enthusiast circles
1990 VW CORRADO G60 Specifications:
Engine: inline-4, 1781 cc
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power: 158 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Weight: 2600 lb
Power-to-weight: 16.5 lb/hp
Brakes F/R: disc/disc
Price when new: $17,900
Hagerty Value: $5,700–$8,000
HAGERTY VALUATION TEAM Insights:
The VW Corrado appeals broadly across age demographics. With #2 condition cars valued around $6,500, it presents a more affordable entry point than a GTI of similar vintage while offering greater exclusivity. Hagerty’s insurance quote data indicates a 25 percent increase in interest since 2018, signaling a growing appreciation for this classic Volkswagen.
