1996 Volkswagen Corrado VR6

Highlights

• 2.9-litre V6
• Manual gearbox
• One of VW’s greatest engines
• Current 26-year ownership
• Leather interior

Overview

How do you fit a six-cylinder engine into a matchbox-sized engine bay? This was the question posed to VW’s engineers when developing the Corrado. And the answer they came up with was the VR6, a narrow-angle V6 with a displacement of 2.9 litres, which remains highly regarded to this day.

And the car powered by this engine is of a suitably sleek design, with its rear windscreen being only a few degrees away from horizontal. The rest of the styling is suitably 90s VW, with rounded edges and clean lines, and a front end which fits in with the rest of VW’s range. Most importantly, though, this car proudly wears its VR6 badges front and rear.

Like most cars of a certain age, there have been some issues with corrosion. But reassuringly, this Corrado had some extensive professional repairs to the offside sill and front wing in Nov 2024, which included welding and sealing, as opposed to filling and sanding.

Owned by the vendor since 1998, it’s easy to see why they held onto this car for so long: it is sure to be the centre of attention at any meet, and you’ll certainly enjoy the drive home. In summary, if you’re looking for a modern classic coupe, this Corrado VR6 is hugely desirable.

History and documentation

• Registered 4 Jan 1996
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Dec 1996 @ 9,663 miles, Jun 1997 @ 19,005 miles, Feb 1998 @ 28,670 miles, May 1998 32,593 miles, Nov 2005 @ 52,343 miles, Apr 2010 @ 70,498 miles
• Original document wallet
• Collection of original owner’s literature
• Two keys and alarm fobs
• Current MOT expires 29 Sep 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Current owner since Jun 1998
• Private plate ‘N196 GLF’ included in sale
• HPI clear

Interior

• Superb 90s interior with leather upholstery and matching black carpets
• The leather has aged well, with some light creasing
• No obvious scuffs or tears
• Even the driver’s seat bolsters are very good for the age and mileage
• Manually adjustable front seats with heating
• Leather-trimmed door cards, centre console, and steering wheel
• Some fading to the steering wheel rim
• The dashboard plastics look well preserved
• Heating system said to work well
• Bold, clear, analogue instruments
• Removable stereo front piece, which is missing
• Rear seating for two passengers
• A little sagging and discolouration to the headlining
• Electric sunroof — motor reportedly replaced, along with the nearside electric window mechanism
• Spacious boot to the rear
• Ten-disc CD changer
• Space saver spare wheel stored under the boot floor
• Heated rear windscreen

Exterior

• Low, sleek, two-door styling
• Some chips and scratches to the black paintwork
• Small patches of bubbling
• There are some light dents in the doors
• 15-inch, five-spoke Speedline alloy wheels
• No obvious scuffs or kerb damage
• VR6 badges front and rear
• Headlights clear and bright
• Some of the rubber seals and plastics have begun to crack
• Hatchback tailgate gives good access to the boot
• On the underside, there is some corrosion
• Chrome exhaust tip
• Colour-matched bumpers

Mechanical

• 2,861 cc V6 engine
• Produces 187 bhp, and 181 lb ft
• Five-speed manual transmission
• Front-wheel drive
• The seller informs us that the ABS unit was replaced in Oct 2024
• Battery reportedly replaced in summer 2024
• Thatcham category 1 alarm fitted in 2022
• The car is said to start easily and run smoothly
• The MOT in Sep 2024 reported play in the steering rack, a couple of small oil leaks, corrosion on the sills, subframes, suspension arms, and power steering pipes
• No mechanical issues reported

Summary

Looking sharp for its age and mileage, this Corrado is a great way to experience one of VW’s finest ever engines: the 2.9-litre VR6. And although there are some opportunities to improve it, there’s nothing to stop you enjoying it in the meantime. It offers a fully analogue drive, and will be sure to put a smile on your face.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.