1 Forgotten VW Sports Car Was a Coveted Prize on Alex Trebek’s Other Game Show
Few game show hosts are as iconic as Alex Trebek. Most TV viewers remember him as the charismatic quizmaster of Jeopardy! However, he also hosted another game show in the ’80s. Classic Concentration tasked contestants with solving rebus puzzles after matching prizes represented by spaces on a game board. Some of those prizes were cars. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore Classic Concentration and one of the forgotten VW sports cars it gave away as a prize: the Volkswagen Corrado.
Alex Trebek’s ‘Classic Concentration’ had pricey prizes, including the VW Corrado
Classic Concentration offered all kinds of cars, from affordable to luxurious. The ’80s were a decade of excess, and the game show reflected that by offering high-ticket prizes. Contestants who successfully solved the bonus round in under 10 seconds could drive home in a new car.
Upscale models featured in episodes included the Chevy Corvette, BMW 325i, and Porsche 944. They were dream cars for many Americans, and Classic Concentration made those dreams come true for a lucky few.
One memorable episode aired in October 1989. The bonus round offered eight cars: the Honda Civic, Subaru Justy, Jeep Comanche, Volkswagen Corrado, Nissan Pulsar, Pontiac Sunbird, Mitsubishi Precis, and Ford Festiva. The contestant, Matt, wanted the Corrado. This sleek VW sports car retailed for almost $20,000 in 1989, equivalent to roughly $50,000 today.
Matt successfully solved the puzzle and won the Corrado. It was one of the more expensive cars Classic Concentration ever gave away. You can watch the full episode on The Game Show Channel. Skip to the 24-minute mark to see the lineup of cars.
Was the Volkswagen Corrado a good car?
The Volkswagen Corrado was a compact sports coupe the German automaker produced from 1988 to 1995. VW designed it as a successor to the popular Scirocco. The Corrado packed a 1.8-liter supercharged inline-four engine harnessing 158 hp — impressive for its time. It also had front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission. Notable features included a rear spoiler that automatically raised at higher speeds, antilock brakes, and a well-appointed interior.
The Corrado garnered a following for its unique design and performance. But like any car, it had quirks and issues. One of the best Corrado model years was 1992, when it gained the supercharged engine and a more potent V6. On the other hand, the worst model year is arguably 1994. It had a 130-mph speed governor because of new, lower-rated Goodrich tires. Unfortunately, the Corrado’s production run was short-lived.
Why did Volkswagen discontine the Corrado?
The Volkswagen Corrado faced stiff competition in the sports coupe market, and its relatively high price limited its appeal. Due to sluggish sales, Corrado production ceased in 1995, marking the end of an era for this unique VW sports car. During the car’s seven-year run, VW made nearly 100,000 Corrados, 50,000 of which were sold in the United States.
Despite its short lifespan, the Corrado has a dedicated fan base, with enthusiasts appreciating its distinctive design and spirited performance. It remains a symbol of Volkswagen’s foray into sports cars and a reminder of the now-classic vehicle up for grabs on Classic Concentration.
This VW was a true prize
Classic Concentration never achieved the longevity of Jeopardy! Still, the daytime game show gave contestants a chance to win impressive prizes, including a Volkswagen Corrado. With its sporty styling and performance, this sleek coupe left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Though most people have forgotten it, the Corrado lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts who remember its time in the spotlight.
