PetrolBlogPetrolBlogPetrolBlogPetrolBlog
  • Home
  • 70s cars
  • 80s cars
  • 90s cars
  • 00s cars
  • Manufacturers
    • CITROËN
    • PEUGEOT
    • RENAULT
    • Alfa Romeo
    • Audi
    • Dacia
    • Daihatsu
    • Fiat
    • Ford
    • Honda
    • Hyundai
    • Lancia
    • Matra
    • Mazda
    • Mercedes-Benz
    • Mitsubishi
    • Nissan
    • Opel
    • Proton
    • Saab
    • Seat
    • Skoda
    • Suzuki
    • Talbot
    • Toyota
    • Vauxhall
    • Volkswagen
    • Volvo
  • Features
    • 10 of the best
    • CarTunes
    • General Bunk
    • It’s time to appreciate
    • Major Waffle
    • New cars
    • Regrets
    • Reviews
    • Save Our Scrap
    • Shatchbacks
    • Shednesday
    • The Barn
    • Whatever happened to?
  • Garage
  • Shop
0

Back for good: Volkswagen Corrado VR6

Published by Gavin Big-Surname at 12th April 2016
93 VW Corrado VR6

A lost passport. I have a lost passport to thank for being reunited with an old flame. After an absence of  seven years, my old Volkswagen Corrado VR6 is back in the PetrolBlog fold.

Actually, that’s not strictly true, because my ownership of the Corrado pre-dates PetrolBlog by a year. It was sold – somewhat reluctantly – to fund a new boiler, way back in 2009. You’ll remember the Corrado was the star of first ever Regrets feature, which you can read here.

Right, back to that missing passport. Back in early February, I had a call from Alex, the chap who bought my beloved Corrado. He had found my expired passport in the huge folder containing the Corrado’s service history and out of courtesy had phoned me to ask if I wanted it back.

Naturally, I let it slip that I could be interested in buying the Corrado, should he ever decide to sell. I requested a pic, just for old time’s sake, but thought no more of it.

Head vs heart

That was until a month later when I received a text from Alex letting me know that he would sell the Corrado, not least because he has a rather lovely Porsche 911 in the garage and a project 924 in desperate need of attention. Could I, should I, buy it back? A proper head vs heart decision…

The fact that I’m writing this tells you all you need to know. In many ways it was an easy decision to make. In the seven years of absence, Alex had improved the Corrado in a number of ways, but crucially, he had done so sympathetically and with originality in mind. It still looked and felt like my Corrado. Only better.

1993 Volkswagen Corrado VR6

New shocks and bushes all round, new headlights, aftermarket headlight loom, full closure alarm, de-locked door handles, new sunroof cables, roof liner cleaned and replaced, knock sensor, water pump, thermostat housing and new leather seats are amongst the highlights. The folder of receipts was burgeoning back in 2009. Today, it’s fit to burst. Proper maintenance of a VR6 doesn’t come cheap.

If I’m honest, I wouldn’t have considered fitting leather seats, but having seen them and, more importantly, perched my bottom in them, I’m totally won over. They also have the heating elements fitted, so I could upgrade to the warmth of heated leather seats. Middle age means features such as this are a bonus.

It also helped that Alex is one of us – a proper petrolhead and a decent bloke. It’s often said that you buy into the seller before you buy into the car and it was immediately obvious that Alex had taken great care of the Corrado. Following a test drive, a number of texts, some head scratching and a lengthy conversation about the state of the classic car market, a deal was done. The Corrado was coming home.

Getting to know you. Again.

The relatively short drive back from North Devon was like getting to know an old friend. The subsequent tweet said it all and received more than its fair share of comments, likes and retweets. Seems like there’s a whole lotta love for Volkswagen’s coupe of the 1990s.

Sold her seven years ago. Regretted it ever since. Today I bought her back. #VW#Corradopic.twitter.com/9ulpl1nM67

— Gavin Big-Surname (@MajorGav) March 30, 2016

Of course, the danger of becoming reacquainted with an old flame is the gradual realisation that there were reasons why you drifted apart in the first place. OK, in this instance the divorce was caused by the urgent need for heat and water, but was the Corrado VR6 really that good? Two weeks on, and reaching for some wood, the answer is yes.

There are things which are as good as I remember, like the terrific noise, the sweet handling, the wonderfully direct steering and the low-slung driving position. By today’s standards, 190bhp doesn’t give the Corrado VR6 the right to sit at the performance top table, heck it only puts it alongside the Nissan Pulsar 190, but it’s the way it delivers the power that matters.

Low-end grunt makes way for top-end thrust, as the VR6 delivers the magic. The 0-60 time of around 6.7 seconds is quick, even today, and the power is delivered with that oh-so-wonderful accompanying soundtrack.

There are also things which aren’t quite as good as I remember. Like the brakes, which are rubbish. And the gear-change, which is nowhere near as sweet as I recall. The brakes can be improved, but the gear-shift is something I’ll have to learn to live with. Again. Not that I’m complaining.

Rear of Corrado VR6

But it’s the little things that stand out. Chief of which is the smell of a cabin, which I’m finding impossible to describe. It’s a pleasant whiff, but it’s unique to Volkswagens of this era.

There are many other things to say, but for fear of overloading you with saccharin-enriched sweetness, these will be delivered in the fullness in time. For now, this is a welcome back message and a thank you to Alex for giving the Corrado a good home.

Because the car isn’t perfect there are things to be done. Thankfully – and touching even more wood – the issues are cosmetic, like the need to respray the front bumper and to sort the peeling lacquer on the driver’s door. It was passable when I owned the car, now it’s much worse. I’d also like to refurbish the alloy wheels and consider replacing the modern Sony headunit with something a little more contemporary.

I’m also toying with the idea of slamming her to the floor, fitting some Lexus-style rear lights and putting a huge subwoofer in the boot.*

I’ll readily admit the car isn’t perfect, but it’s mine, and that’s something I never thought I’d be able to say again. Only time will tell if I learn to regret the Corrado VR6 for a second time, but for now, it’s great to have her (it) back. And this time it’s back for good.

*None of this sentence is true, obviously.

Share
0


Related Waffle


Eos in fashion

Could the Volkswagen Eos be Your Greek Goddess?

Jan 20, 2021
Volkswagen Golf Rallye UK

I’m an Idiot: The Cars I Should Have Kept

Nov 6, 2020
CarTunes mixtape by Graham Eason

CarTunes: a mixtape by Graham Eason

Jun 26, 2020
CarTunes by Peter Counsell

Introducing CarTunes: a mixtape by Peter Counsell

Jun 16, 2020

3 Comments

  1. Darren Leslie says:
    14th April 2016 at 10:16 pm

    Nice, looks in really good condition as well. You may remember that my brother had one many many years ago. A cracking car which he put fancy alloys on, lowered it but didnt do the lexus lights. I’d have disowned him if he had.
    The question which needs asking is, has anything made room for this latest purchase?

    Reply
  2. Alex...yes that one^ says:
    15th April 2016 at 12:12 pm

    When I saw ‘Lexus-style rear lights’ out of the corner of my eye – I was briefly shocked with disbelief!

    Reply
  3. Leno says:
    30th April 2016 at 4:33 am

    Me wanty!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest PetrolBlog Videos:

https://youtu.be/fXRLAHLNX7M
https://youtu.be/0vnsNaXh7KM

PetrolBlog in print!

Classic.Retro.Modern

Support PetrolBlog – Buy Stickers

  • PETROLBLOG laptop sticker PetrolBlog laptop sticker £3.00 £2.50
  • My car is the goat bumper sticker My car is the G.O.A.T bumper sticker £3.00
  • French Tat window sticker #FrenchTat window sticker £4.00
  • French Tat bumper sticker #FrenchTat bumper sticker £3.50
  • GOAT My car is the G.O.A.T window sticker £3.00
  • Tollfoolery sticker Tollfoolery car bumper sticker £3.50
  • Waffle & Bunk laptop sticker Waffle & Bunk laptop sticker £3.00 £2.50
  • Tollfoolery sticker Tollfoolery car window sticker £4.00
  • Too good to scrap bumper sticker TOO GOOD TO SCRAP bumper sticker/plaster £3.00
  • PetrolBlog sticker PetrolBlog car sticker £4.00

What you’re saying

  • 1st August 2022

    Gavin Southwest commented on Buy this Renault Clio Baccara and be like PetrolBlog

  • 26th July 2022

    Volker commented on AMC Eagle: the original crossover?

  • 25th July 2022

    Alun Morris commented on The Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica was a shooting brake for ladies

  • 22nd June 2022

    David Cooper commented on Whatever happened to the Talbot Matra Rancho?

  • 8th June 2022

    Astra commented on Has Top Gear wrecked a Matra Bagheera?

Fresh waffle

  • Citroen 2CV resting on the back of a truck1
    PetrolBlog: the chump is coming back
    13th May 2022
  • 2022 Dacia Jogger in Terracotta1
    The Dacia Jogger is a practical remix of the Matra Rancho
    14th December 2021
  • Toyota Land Cruiser No Time To Die2
    No Time To Die in a Toyota Land Cruiser
    13th December 2021
  • Fahnome Knight Rider build your own KITT0
    Sponsored: K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider is now available as a kit
    17th November 2021
  • Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur rear light7
    The Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur is the future we want
    12th November 2021
  • Club PetrolBlog most beautiful1
    Club PetrolBlog members at their most beautiful
    20th August 2021
  • Renault Avantime in Geneva0
    You won’t believe these facts about French cars
    19th August 2021
  • 2008 Citroen C51
    Berlin or bust: the Unmistakeably German ad campaign
    12th August 2021
  • Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres1
    PetrolBlog looks at Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres
    11th August 2021
  • Toyota Camry V6 and Porsche 9243
    An unexceptional day out in the Toyota Camry V6
    2nd August 2021

Newsletters

PetrolBlog
ABOUT | ADVERTISING / SPONSORSHIP | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | CONTACT US

The world’s least influential car blog since 2010.

Copyright © PetrolBlog.

0
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and analyse site traffic. We also share information about how you browse our site with our advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you have provided to them or that they have collected for your use of their services.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT