The 1993 Volkswagen Corrado SLC: A Classic Reimagined
Let’s dive into the world of the 1993 Volkswagen Corrado SLC. This beast underwent a full-fledged rotisserie refurbishment, thanks to its previous owner, from 2001 to 2003, before making its way to the current seller’s hands in June 2019. Under the hood, you’ll find a robust 2.9-liter VR6 engine, boasting forged Mahle pistons, a head that’s been ported and polished, and Schrick variable-geometry intake manifold. The whole setup is tied together with 268-degree camshafts and GIAC engine-management software. Think of it as taking something classic and giving it a modern twist—if that twist came with serious power.
A Visual Transformation
Originally rocking a Classic Green Metallic finish, the car has been transformed—repainted in the eye-catching Dodge Vapor Steel Gray around 2002. The modifications? Well, let’s say they’ve turned this Corrado into a head-turner. Think shaved rear emblems, custom Audi-style door handles, and even a carbon fiber hood adorned with Sparco hood pins. Talk about style!
Then there’s the body kit that adds a bit of muscle to its stance. We have Euro headlights, Opel Calibra side skirts, and even a speed-activated rear spoiler. Don’t forget about those 15″ Speedline wheels wrapped in 205/50 Kumho Ecsta AST tires. It’s all about that low-profile look.
Exterior Blemishes
Now, it’s not all perfect. You’ll still see some wear on the exterior, with paint chips on the front, peeling clearcoat below the grille, and a dent in the driver’s door. A Carfax report from May 2003 notes damage due to a natural disaster, which, to be honest, gives this car a bit of character.
Performance and Suspension
When it comes to performance, the Corrado doesn’t hold back. The suspension system is quite impressive, featuring an Eibach front sway bar, Autotech strut bars, and adjustable Bilstein PSS9 coilovers to soak up the road’s imperfections. Did we mention it also has Driver’s Edition GTI-sourced calipers? They wrap around drilled and slotted rotors—228mm up front and 226mm at the back—ensuring this ride stops as smoothly as it accelerates.
Interior Comfort and Upgrades
Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in luxury with a black and beige leather makeover on the seating surfaces and door panels. Add in black carpeting and European-spec seatbelts, and you’ve got an interior that’s as comfortable as it is stylish. Power windows, thanks to A1 Electric scissor-style regulators, means you won’t have to crank a thing to enjoy a breeze. The sound system? Stellar. It sports an Eclipse CD stereo, a Rockford Fosgate amplifier, and an 8” JL Audio subwoofer, giving you that sound quality you can’t ignore.
Instrumentation
The dashboard doesn’t fall short either. A leather-wrapped steering wheel commands the driver’s attention, standing proudly in front of a VDO 140-mph speedometer, a Corrado-branded tachometer, and a combo gauge for fuel and coolant. Who doesn’t love a digital clock just chillin’ in there? Plus, you’ve got readouts for voltage and oil pressure right in the center stack. The digital odometer shows 194,000 miles—yes, that’s a lot, but who’s counting when it’s this good?
The Heart of the Beast
Now, let’s talk about what really makes this Corrado roar—the engine. The 12-valve VR6 has been bumped to a 2.9L displacement during the overhaul. You’ve got forged Mahle pistons and a polished cylinder head, not to mention stainless-steel intake and exhaust valves that are larger than your usual factory setup. Add a Mocal auxiliary oil cooler up front, and you’ve got a powerhouse.
Performance Features
- Schrick variable geometry intake manifold
- Schrick 268-degree camshafts
- GIAC engine-management software
- MK4 metal head gasket
- Samco Sport silicone coolant hoses
- Euro Sport Cool-Flo air intake system
- Velocity “big bore” throttle body
- Brospeed exhaust header
- Unorthodox Racing pulleys
- Black Forest Industries Stage 1 motor mounts
An oil change was recently completed, and the crank position sensor and air filter were replaced, meaning this classic is ready to hit the road.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Power flows smoothly to the front wheels via an O2A five-speed manual transaxle that features a taller fifth gear for those long cruises. The drivetrain includes Driveshaft Shop axles and a Quaife limited-slip differential with a 3.68:1 final drive ratio. It’s got a Techtonics Tuning 2.5” stainless-steel exhaust system fitted with a Borla muffler, ensuring that the Corrado doesn’t just look good; it sounds incredible too.
Documentation
For those intrigued by the finer details, photos taken throughout the refurbishment are available in the gallery and will be included with the sale. Evidence of the dedication put into this transformation when it comes to the Carfax report and the aforementioned damages from May 2003 may just add an extra layer of story to this already captivating vehicle.