For many who got their driver’s license in the ’90s, the VW Corrado was the ultimate dream car. I should know—I was one of them. My love for Volkswagen came from my father, and when I finally passed my driving test, there was only one car I truly wanted. But, like many dreams, it remained just that. Even back then, you needed a decent bank account to afford a Corrado, even on the second-hand market.
For Rens Robben, the Corrado was also his dream car, until 2019, when he found this particular example in a small village in Austria. It’s an American-spec model, easily identified by the side markers in the front bumper. It even has automatic seatbelts, something we Europeans aren’t really familiar with. But over time, this Corrado made its way back to Europe.
Originally, this car came with a 1.8-liter 8v G60 engine, but it’s since been swapped for a more potent 1.8-liter 16v G60. Now boosting 224.8hp and 290Nm of torque. The G-Lader was an innovative supercharger that Volkswagen introduced in the ’80s and ’90s. Though it was eventually replaced by more reliable turbochargers and other forms of forced induction, the G-Lader holds a special place in automotive history, especially for VW enthusiasts.
Since the Corrado came from the U.S., the previous owner changed the head- and taillights for European versions. Rens replaced the headlights and taillights back to the US versions. For the suspension, he turned to Bonhof, opting for a custom airbag system paired with Koni dampers. The chassis was sandblasted and recoated in black, so even the underbody has been treated with the same care as the exterior.
What catches the eye immediately is the striking yellow color shining in the sun during VWTB, officially known as Nugget Yellow (paint code LK1B). And of course, you can’t miss the wheels—a set of Eta Beta Turbo wheels sourced from a Porsche and rebuilt by Retrowheelz in Belgium. They measure 17×6.5 inches up front and 17×7 inches in the rear.
The interior is equally impressive, featuring black leather Recaro seats and a CAE short shifter. In the rear, there’s a Wiechers roll cage, painted to match the car’s bright yellow exterior.
For the true Corrado connoisseurs, there are plenty of other details to discover—modifications and replacements that would make the list of changes far too long to cover here. But one thing is clear: Rens Robben’s Corrado is a masterclass in reviving a ’90s icon with modern upgrades, while staying true to the spirit of this legendary Volkswagen.
Owner; Rens Robben