Models

[SailingFC@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-03-21 16:31:38 EST, hjowett@nasc.mass.edu (Hulda
Jowett) writes:

<< Yes, the Sidewinder did exist, in two diferent model years. I think the 
 first year was 76 or 77. Then again around 79 or 80. Similar equipment to 
 S models. I think they had a light up pannel on the back of the car 
 between the lights, it read Scirocco (just like some 911s). I could be 
 wrong on that feature though. I have the specifics in old EC issue, I'll 
 look it up.
 
 Later,
 
 Brian >>

In a message dated 97-03-21 03:06:59 EST, TCame86712@aol.com writes:

<< The sidewinder was a 78 Model, only. It did have the wrap-around lights.
It
 came in white, only, with a black cloth interior, black instrument bezel
 instead of the fake wood, Recaro-designed seats, blacked-out trim, a black
 tape treatment around the rear glass and along the beltline, and also had
the
 airdam. The emblem in the grille was white and there was no chrome
 surrounding the grille as there was on the standard models. It was almost
 exactly like the later S model with some very minor differences in trim (and
 engine size due to year-model). It had the normal 78 1.5L motor, as well. I
 actually have an old Motor Trend magazine with the original road test in it.
 I think that about covers it.
 
 Todd >>


Hi All,

I am an original owner of a '78 "Sidewinder".  The Sidwinder name was not
used in the '78 model.  I think it was used in '76, though.  In '78 it was
advertised as the "Champagne Edition II".

Above Brian mentioned the rear filler panel lens.  This was not a factory
option.  It was a pure aftermarket thing.  It came in a lit version and an
unlit version.  It came with a license plate relocation bracket which hung
the plate off the bottom of the bumper.  Don't think you'll find many of
those these days.  The factory did install a blackout panel between the light
clusters, this also held the license plate.

What Todd says is all true.  And I will add in:  It also had a black stripe
that starts on the top of the front fenders, right at the corner, runs back
along the car, under the outside rearview mirrors(along the small flat
between the window trim and top corner of the door), continues back and
sweeps up on the rear side glass and tapers away at the top.  The airdam was
factory with the rectangular openings on either side which tapered to round
holes pointed at the front brakes.
It had the smallest engine ever put into a Rabbit or Scirocco.  All of
1457cc.  It was a 1.6L block destroked and underbored to get better gas
mileage.  This was during the skyrocketing gas prices($1.00/gal!!).  All US
models before and after 1978 had larger engines.  And it was before they
developed the 5-speed trans.(Came out in '79).  I have to say mileage was
pretty good. The sticker claimed 36 mpg on the highway and I sometimes got
above that.  It came with the alloy wheels(5x13) as a factory installed $155
option.  It had a "Perfomance Tuned Suspension".  The interior is all black
except for the white headliner and chrome door levers.  No wood grain
anywhere, no Scirocco badge on the passenger side of the dash, just all
black.  The sport seats were a Recaro look alike.  Separate adjustable
headrest, vinyl seat backs, cloth side bolsters(non-adjustable), and "Special
Corduroy Seat Covering"(corduroy center sections).
The color for this Champagne Edition was alpine white.  It was the only color
for this limited edition.  In the early 80's I had the car repainted.  I had
the factory paint scheme matched using paint for the stripes instead of the
factory stick-on decal stripes.  The alpine white was replaced with Dupont
Imron white and the black was also Imron.  Looks like factory.  The only
disappointing thing was the painter didn't have enough experience with Imron
and so the finish was not as smooth as I wanted it.  And you can't rub Imron,
 it's too hard.  But after 10 years, the paint is still glossy(havn't waxed
it in 5 years, at least), so I can't complain too much.
Engine is not stock anymore, lowered Neuspeed/Bilstein suspension, sways,
195-50x15 P-700Z's, stressbars, blah, blah, blah.  It's still a blast to
drive.  I wore out the rear Bilsteins, sent them in, had a new pair in about
2 weeks(lifetime warranty).  I am constantly tweeking it, not because it
needs it, because I want to.  Can you tell I'm a VW nut.  Lastly I paid
almost full factory sticker(which I still have), it was the only one they had
so I didn't have much barganing power, a whoping $7,100 out the door.

Have fun all.
SailingFC@aol.com(Dick)
'78 Scirocco, Original.
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From:	hjowett@nasc.mass.edu (Hulda Jowett)
Sender:	owner-scirocco-l@mantis.privatei.com
To:	byoshida@zygote.hsc.usc.edu (Benton Yoshida)
CC:	scirocco-l@privatei.com
Date: 97-03-21 16:31:38 EST

Yes, the Sidewinder did exist, in two diferent model years. I think the 
first year was 76 or 77. Then again around 79 or 80. Similar equipment to 
S models. I think they had a light up pannel on the back of the car 
between the lights, it read Scirocco (just like some 911s). I could be 
wrong on that feature though. I have the specifics in old EC issue, I'll 
look it up.

Later,

Brian
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