Performance VW - June 2021

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THE WORLD’S BEST SELLING VW TUNING MAGAZINE

400bhp CORRADO 1.8T No-expense-spared Corrado build from Finland sets a new standard

E V A W THIRD Could the third generation Golf finally be coming good? If this example is anything to go by then we're going to say yes…

NEW N

IO AUCTC WAT H INSIDE

£5.50

Bagged 2k workhorse van or classic ABF 16v-swapped pick-up?

JUNE 2021

NEW WAVE VS OLD-SKOOL

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COVER IMAGE: Dave Tormey ISSUE: June 2021

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

HEAD OF PERFORMANCE ADVERTISING

Elliott Roberts [email protected]

Tony Saggu [email protected]

Sarah ‘Churchy’ Halls [email protected]

BADLY DUBBED Well, we’ve got another cracking issue for you this month, with a host of exclusive feature cars gracing the cover and Kyle Wilinsky’s bonkers Mk3 (p8) bagging the hot spot. This is the second time Kyle’s car has graced these pages, but we’re sure you’ll understand why, once you read about all the changes he’s made to this stunning creation. Next up we have a pair of Caddy vans that couldn’t be more different if they tried. First is a classic Mk1 pickup (p26) with a custom ABF 16v conversion, the second a bagged 2k van (p62) which many, including us, will class as possibly the ultimate, usable workhorse! If its true Performance VWs you long for, then the 400bhp Corrado 1.8T from Finland (p54), should be right up your street. While the car (right) was built to be driven, and driven hard, it’s also absolutely immaculate at the same time. Just what we like to see in these very pages… As well as coverage from Florida’s annual Euro Tripper event (p42), we’re also introducing a couple of new regular features for you this month. The first of these is Tuners’ Cars (p74), which is pretty self-explanitory but exciting all the same, as we get to look at the cars being built by some of the world’s top VWG tuners. Next up, is Auction Watch (p34), which again sort of does what is says on the tin, but also gives us an insight into what’s happening at the auctions and which classic VWs to look out for. While the price of some cult water-cooled cars have already gone through the roof, there’s still time to get in on the action and pick up a bargain if you choose wisely. Enjoy!

Elliott roberts, Editor @elliottdukeroberts EDITOR: Elliott Roberts ([email protected]) CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Tony Saggu ART EDITOR: Lorna Mansford SUB EDITOR: Tony Taylor WORDS: Dan Bevis, Alex Grant, Graham Leigh, James Wallace, Bryan McCarthy PHOTOS: Dave Tormey, Matt Clifford, Josh Richards, Matti Tirronen, James Jetton ADVERTISEMENT SALES Sarah Halls: 01732 446756 ([email protected]) PRODUCTION Katie Hollands ([email protected]) MANAGEMENT Chief Executive: Steve Wright Chief Operating Officer: Phil Weeden Subscription Marketing Director: Gill Lambert Retail Director: Steve Brown Print Production Manager: Georgina Harris Print Production Controller: Kelly Orriss, Hayley Brown Subs Marketing Executives: Dave Sage, Claire Aspinall Affiliate Marketing: Kate Chamberlain SUBSCRIPTIONS 13 issues of Performance VW are published per annum UK annual subscription price: £64.87 Europe annual subscription price: £78.00 USA annual subscription price: £78.00 Rest of World annual subscription price: £85.00 UK subscription & back issue orderline: 0845 241 5159 Overseas subscription orderline: 0044 (0) 1959 543 747 Toll free USA subscription orderline: 1-888-777-0275 UK customer service team: 1959 543 747

For customer service support, please visit: https://help.kelsey.co.uk CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBSCRIPTION ADDRESS: Performance VW Customer Service Team, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent, ME18 6AL Find current subscription offers on our website: shop.kelsey.co.uk/pvw Buy back issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/pvwback ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? Manage your subscription at shop.kelsey.co.uk/site/loginForm DISTRIBUTION Distribution in Great Britain: Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 3rd Floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9AP Tel: 0330 390 6555 Distribution in Northern Ireland and the Republic Of Ireland: Newspread: Tel: +353 23 886 3850 PRINTING William Gibbons & Sons Ltd CLASSIFIEDS Tel: 0906 802 0279 (premium rate line, operated by Talk Media Sales on behalf of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Calls cost 65p per minute from a BT landline; other networks and mobiles may vary. Lines open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) Email address: [email protected] For all transport titles, you can also view and upload ads via www.motorfreeads.co.uk Kelsey Classifieds, Kelsey Media. The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone. Kent. ME18 6AL

CONTACT US Editorial: [email protected] Kelsey Media 2021 © all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission in writing from the publishers. Note to contributors: articles submitted for consideration by the editor must be the original work of the author and not previously published. Where photographs are included, which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce them must have been obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee a personal response to all letters and emails received. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher. Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products and services offered by third parties. Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. For more information of our privacy policy, please visit Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. For more information of our privacy policy, please visit https://www.kelsey.co.uk/ privacy-policy/ . If at any point you have any queries regarding Kelsey’s data policy you can email our Data Protection Officer at [email protected]. Kelsey Media: www.kelsey.co.uk Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent, ME18 6AL ISSN: 1364-2502

Part of the Fast Car Entertainment Family: www.fastcar.co.uk

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SUBSCRIBE & SAVE Subscribe to Performance VW Magazine for great savings! Turn to p78 (for UK/ROW), alternatively head online at shop.kelsey.co.uk/pvw or call 01959 543747

CLASSIFIEDS Tel: 0906 802 0279 (premium rate line), operated by Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Calls cost 65p per minute from a BT landline; other networks and mobiles may vary. Lines open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Email: [email protected] Kelsey Classifieds c/o Talk Media Sales 4 Court Lodge Centre, Paxdale Green Road, Stansted, Kent, TN15 7PG Email: [email protected] Fax: 01959 541400

08 REGULARS 019 049 071 072 076 078 081 086 088 090 096 098 4

NEWS POSTER BACK SECTION TURNERS CARS READERS’ RIDES SUBSCRIPTIONS OUR CARS RELOADED THE REWIND TALK THE TALK CLASSIFIEDS NEXT MONTH

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FEATURES 008 THE MK3 OF THESEUS It’s not often a feature car gets a second chomp at the pork chop, but when you find out what’s changed on Kyle Wilinsky’s previously featured third gen’, then we’re sure you’ll understand why his did!

026 PHIRM FRIENDSHIPS From minitrucks to motorsport, hot rods to hot hatches; the influences on this Caddy showcase a ‘greatest hits’ of the car culture owner, Phil King has thrived on for decades.

034 HAMMER TIME We take a look at some of the recent UK auction results to monitor what sort of money classic or future classic VWs and Audis are passing hands for. While many models have started to climb, there are still bargains to be had if you know what you’re looking for…

054 ONE CAREFUL DONOR

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE: 28 MAY

Teemu Vähämäki had big ideas when he bought this 1.8T-swapped track machine six years ago – but the Corrado itself wasn’t part of them.

062 WORK IT A Caddy that works for a living everyday of its life yet wouldn’t look out of place on any showground? Considerably more effort than it sounds? You betcha…

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091 FREEDOM OF SPEECH

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Ever wondered what it takes to contribute to a magazine like Performance VW? Probably not, but if you had then now’s your chance to find out.

42

SHOW 042 TRIP HAZARD

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Covid19 may not have gone away, but that didn’t stop Paul and his band of merry men (and woman) from throwing another awesome Euro Tripper event!

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THE

MK3 THESEUS OF

It’s not often a feature car gets a second chomp at the pork chop, but when you find out what’s changed on Kyle Wilinsky’s previously featured third gen’, then we’re sure you'll understand why his did! Words: Bryan McCarthy Photos: Dave Tormey

or many owners, seeing their hard work spread over the glossy pages of this mag marks the pinnacle for its progress. Sure, some changes are inevitable; a project car is never done, right? But there has to be some significant surgery for us to consider a revisit for our readership. While Kyle Wilinsky doesn’t possess a medical degree allowing him to slice and dice a live person, a panel of experts would be hard pressed to distinguish his MK3 in

F

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its current state to its previous life as a PVW page turner. “I’ve owned this car for about 11 years now,” Kyle informs us. “This car was previously featured in the July 2016 issue, although looking at that issue and the car’s current state you would never know they have the same VIN.” Many of us would have been over the moon to own his MK3 in that condition - a bevy of genuine Euro parts, CCW wheels and a turbo 12v VR6, to mention just a few of the impressive bits. Unfortunately, not all that glitters is gold

and before long, the feature queen started to have some issues. “The car’s engine was starting to give me problems and the car had some paint issues that needed to be addressed,” laments Kyle. “So I decided to part the entire car out all the way down to the bare shell. I’ve always wanted to build a car from the ground up,” Kyle continues, “and I was left with the decision to fix the issues on my shell or buy something else.” Kyle, a 34-year-old self-employed window cleaner, has been drinking from the Fountain of Wolfsburg since he was 15. His first car

was a Mk2 Jetta and since then he’s owned a handful of People’s Cars, including a Corrado and a MK1 Scirocco. His MK3 currently shares the key rack with an OG R32, a MK3 Cabrio, a new Tiguan and, presumably since VW USA doesn’t sell a pickup, a Toyota Tacoma. Like many that came before him, the southeastern Pennsylvanian attributes VWVortex for first passing him the bottle of the deliciously addictive German potion. Moving on, even the youngest MK3 chassis is now old enough to legally drink in the US. And though the stock ones aren’t pulling

big money, yet, just finding one in good shape is becoming increasingly difficult, making the decision to utilise what he had that much easier. Kyle, who’s a founding member and moderator of the popular group BurnAllTheMK3s group, admitted to having a soft spot for two-door MK3 GTIs, an ailment not to be ashamed of. With that, he decided not to throw the baby out with the bathwater and continued ownership with what was then just a literal shell of its former self. Let’s see the hands of everyone who has ever built their perfect project car on a piece

of loose leaf paper while half-listening to a lecture on business ethics. Did you find the flow of your fantastical checklist copacetic? Now hold them even higher if you were able to realise your poorly scribbled dream as reality. I see there aren’t many hands left. “When I set out to build this version of the car, I sat down and made a list of everything I wanted for this build from start to finish.” A man with a plan. It can’t hurt for those having their first go at a project car to reread that line to really let it sink in. “Having built previous cars, I knew the exact direction I was

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"Having built previous cars, I knew the exact direction I was going and the parts I was going to use" going and the parts I was going to use this time around.” With nearly two decades in the sport, this clearly wasn’t Kyle’s first rodeo. “I wanted to build what I would call a “restomod”; completely restore the chassis, down to every single nut and bolt, while mixing in some more modern features to the car. I didn’t care how long the project took me and what It was going to cost to build my dream Mk3 GTI.” The envy in the room just became palpable.  Kyle hired Brad from BSH Customs for the arduous task of restoring the chassis, who was no stranger to Kyle or his Mk3, having previously painted parts for him. “Brad spent the next six months going over the entire chassis and cutting out and replacing any bit of rust that could be found. The floors needed work. The rockers were replaced entirely, along with some other spots here and there. Yikes! If anyone has owned a MK3, you know that they started to rust soon as they were rolled off the assembly line floor.” For the legion of third-generation owners whose cars

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suffered the same degradation, Kyle is not being untruthful. It’s important to stress how particular Kyle was with every aspect of this project to make sure the reader understands the lengths he went to. The candid progress pictures, those destined for a binder to document the build, tell an alternate story to the fairy tale that is being portrayed today. The amount of metal work that went into removing the rust and rot was nothing short of spectacular. The phrase ‘attention to detail’ gets thrown around a lot to the point of dilution. This application, however, should be the concentrate by which all others are judged. Take a moment to ogle over the images and absorb the details and special touches Brad added - the half-pocket door recesses with Polo handles, the smoothed hardware Audi TT filler cap, the removed swage lines and smoothed rockers. Now observe the period correct tuner hardware - the Abt front lip, Kamei bumper ducts, Bonrath mono

wiper, Projektzwo mirrors and the Hella all-red taillights. It’s like a late 90s, early noughts yearbook of hot ticket parts that’s certain to resonate with anyone of a particular age group, your faithful scribe included. And if the impressive collective of parts isn’t enough, it’s rolling on staggered 3-piece Eta Beta Porsche Twists wrapped in Kumho Ecsta SPT ties, with Porsche 4-piston calipers in front and a Eurospec Sport BBK in the rear with Mk4 calipers. Again, choices of which not only make a visual splash, but hit you with the throwback feels. The ride height is perfected via Airlift bags and AccuAir e-Level management, allowing the compromise between hard-parking, track carving and grocery getting. While the bodywork was nearing completion, the most important decision had yet to be made. “I still had no idea what colour I was painting the car,” Kyle laughs. “No kidding. I had Brad spray out eight different colours for me. I thought I had it narrowed down and my

June 2021

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Available 24/7

TABLET • MOBILE

From £4.99 pocketmags.com shop.kelsey.co.uk/pvw

"About two weeks before Brad was set to paint the car, a friend came out of left field with a colour suggestion"

mind set, but about two weeks before Brad was set to paint the car, a friend came out of leftfield with a colour suggestion. Honestly, as soon as I saw it I knew that was it!” You’ll be forgiven if your first thought was the factory Porcelain blue. However, it hails from Porsche’s palette - Sapphire blue. “Brad meticulously sprayed every inch of the car inside and out and then delivered it back to me.” Reassembly consisted of using new or restored parts - nearly everything that wasn’t NOS was treated to a plating or a

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Performance VW

coating of some sort. The undercarriage was undercoated. Latches were chromed. The heat shields were ceramic coated. The rear Euro rebar, something no one sees but Kyle knows is there, was powder coated and mounted with stainless hardware. Perfection was achieved in every regard. And that is the difference between someone playing for keeps and someone struggling for likes. There is no argument the exterior will draw gazes from across any show field it enters. But the best bit, in Kyle’s opinion, is what lies

inside. “It’s truly a work of art; everything from the suede headliner down to the custom made carpet and everything in between. My brain can’t even put on paper how it makes me feel.” A complete retrim in saddle leather and honey suede covers nearly everything the eye can see, including the BBS steering wheel Recaro front seats. The console surrounding the CAE shifter, which was handpolished mind you, has also benefitted from a blanket fitting of the finest hides. In the perpetual pursuit of smoothness, the climate

DUB DETAILS ENGINE: 3.2-litre 24v R32 engine, chromed covers, HEP intake manifold, BBK throttle body, Vibrant VanJen couplers, JDL stainless steel exhaust manifold with billet merge collector, BorgWarner SX-E 364.5 turbo, Tial 50 mm wastegate, 3” stainless steel turbo back exhaust, chromed intercooler piping, Tial blow-off valve, Precision 600 intercooler, aluminium radiator, SPAL fans, hardpipe coolant lines, custom coolant overflow, Mocal oil cooler, Vibrant braided fuel/oil lines and fittings, MS3Pro stand-alone engine management system with custom harness, Innovate wideband controller. O2A with APTuning 1-4 straight cut gearset, Quaife differential, ARP hardware, Eurospec Sport lightened flywheel, SPEC stage 3 clutch, O2J shift tower CHASSIS: 8x17” and 9x17” Eta Beta Porsche 3-piece Twists with Kuhmo Ecsta SPT tyres. Air Lift bags with AccuAir e-Level management. Porsche 4-piston calipers with 312mm discs in the front. Eurospec big brake kit with Mk4 calipers out back EXTERIOR: Complete chassis restoration resprayed in Porsche Sapphire blue. Euro-spec bumpers, shaved Euro hatch with new CL glass, Euro fenders, Vento headlights, shaved phase 1 Vento grille, Abt front lip, Kamei vent ducts. shaved hood squirters, shaved antenna, shaved and smoothed rocker panels, half cup door handle pockets with Polo handles, Audi TT gas door with shaved hardware, Bonrath mono wiper, Hella Magic Colours red taillights, Hella clear turns  INTERIOR: Complete top to bottom interior retrim in saddle leather and honey suede, Recaro front seats, removed rear seat headrests, BBS steering wheel, custom carpet, suede pillars and headliner, Racepak IQ3S cluster, CAE shifter, hardline air ride trunk setup SHOUT: my wife Lisa for always allowing me to pursue my car hobby. Brad at BSH Customs for the tremendous amount of body work and paint. Adam Strunk for all the fabricating and welding. Matt at Eurokraft for wiring up the engine and car. Paul at KPTuned for his engine management and tuning support. Nick at NBP for all the chrome work on the engine parts and wheels. Rich at RT3 Coatings for all the powder coating. GintyFab for the custom cluster work. The entire VW group chat for helping me make crucial design decisions and all around  motivating me to keep pushing ahead. Dave Tormey for the amazing photos. Jamie at Orchid Euro for supplying all the European-spec parts. Thank you to everyone involved

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controls have been binned in favour of the up/down switches for the air ride - no heat or AC in this dream machine. One look at the matched door cards finds the power windows have been swapped out for manual items to remove the possibility of regulator failure. And the custom carpet implores shoe removal before entry. It’s that nice. Gone are the standard Mk3 dials and in their place is a Racepak IQ3S digital display. The rear bench remains suitably comfortable for passengers. In the boot is an eye-catching hard line setup for the air ride, the polished tank reflecting all the glory that surrounds it. The heart of the matter is still a forced induction six-shooter. “I have such a love for the VR6 so I thought what better motor to use than the 3.2 24v? I’ve always been a turbo kind of guy so that part was a no brainer.” Nestled inside a smoothed bay, courtesy of Brad’s talented hands, sits a lump of neat and tidy chrome in the shape of an engine. Between the smoothed towers and right off the cleaned firewall is a BorgWarner super snail capable of laying down some massive numbers. When asked about specific output or any time slips, Kyle calmly responded “I have yet to dyno the car, or really even drive it. I finished the car up in late fall of 2020

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and was only able to get about 50 miles of tuning on it before winter hit.” To me, that’s like making a delicious sandwich and leaving it on the counter instead of eating it. But I suppose once you’ve invested that much time and money into something, waiting a few more months until the weather breaks is the smarter approach than scarfing down the salty roads. It might be juvenile to gravitate towards the extra large turbo when there is a whole cast of characters taking up residence in the engine bay, and it’s hard not to fixate on things such as the JDL exhaust manifold and the like. “One of my good friends, Adam Strunk, did all the fabrication work for the turbo setup. He was patient with me being OCD about every detail and did a beautiful job fabricating exactly what I wanted.” Kyle’s friendship with Adam stretches back nearly 20 years, with Adam serving as the Best Man in Kyle’s wedding. “Another friend, Matt Morrison of Eurokraft, scratch built my entire wiring harness while making multiple three hour roundtrips back and forth from my garage to his to get the harness custom fitted to my car. Talk about having some talented friends on your side!” I bet barbecues at the Wilinsky Ranch have to be fun. The power gets to the ground via

an O2A transmission with an APTuning straight cut gearset for first through fourth. The sound emanating from them is akin to a supercharger’s whine - the perfect complement for the turbo’s whistle. This is clearly the manifestation of Kyle’s perfect Mk3, built for him and him alone, but it’s hard not to be inspired by what you see here. And lest you think the sailing has been as smooth as the bodywork, there have been a few setbacks and deviations in the four years it took to come to fruition. In April of 2018, the Mk4 R32 was acquired to fill the fun car void and a few months later, Kyle decided he also needed a mortgage on his plate. If there is one thing that can slow the pace of a project car, it’s buying a house. Work on the MK3 went on hiatus for about six months after that. And as he wasn’t adulting hard enough already, wedding vows were exchanged in May of 2019, further stunting the growth of the MK3. But Kyle had a plan and he was determined to stick to it, even when he wasn’t. “After some pep talking from my close friends, specifically my VW group chat (you know who you are), I stuck to my original on-paper plan and kept moving. I really owe it to those guys for for keeping me pushing forward. When I first set out on the project I was naive and thought I could have

Ignite your BLUE.

"I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to with this build"

it finished within two years. Boy, was I wrong. I’m still proud that I finished it in under four.” Technically, the car hasn’t officially debuted yet. Even though it was running and driving in late fall of 2020, the global pandemic stemmed the 2020 show scene, leading to ripping the covers off to digital fanfare instead of in-person oohs and ahhs. If Covid conditions continue to improve, then

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May will see the GTI’s first show - Alpine Volks Fair in Helen, Georgia. When queried about a possible third bite at the feature apple, Kyle was quick to reply in a rather assertive manner. “I have zero plans for a three-peat with this car,” he laughed. “I set out to build my dream Mk3, taking everything I have learned over the years of dealing with [them] and building

this one exactly how I envisioned it from the beginning.” And when asked about its residency status in his home garage, Kyle didn’t miss a beat. “This car is here to stay. I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to with this build and can honestly say there isn’t anything that I would change about it. Next thing is to just get out and enjoy the car.” Amen n

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INTRODUCING BAF MOTORSPORT K-BRACE These pretty K-Braces from BAF Motorsport don’t just look the part but they also stiffen up the back end of your car as well. Available for a number of VAG applications including the Mk7 Golf (2013-2020), the Audi A3/S3/RS3 8P (2005-2012) and Mk3 SEAT Leon 5F (20142020), they’re available in a number of colours (or bare metal) and priced very reasonably at £129.99. The guys at BAF told us they do carry some stock, but you may need to allow up to 21 working days lead time and holes will need to be drilled in your car to fix the brace in correctly. While a fitting kit is provided, the guys can fit the braces for you and prices for this service start at just £50. For more details and to see all applications (list is being added to on a weekly basis) head over to the website below. As an excluisve offer, for a limited time BAF is offering 28% off for PVW readers by entering the code below.

PRICE: £129.99 (for 28% off this price use code: PVW28) CONTACT: www.bafmotorpsort.co.uk X-Brace is designed in such a way that rear seat can remain in place as seen here, or be totally removed (as above)

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WHAT'SNEW

I’M A MODEL

You may not be aware (that’s why we’re here - Ed) but MIY MINI MODELS has been producing custom scale models of individual’s own project cars for the best part of 20 years. Based in Romania, founder Eddy has a vast experience in modifying die-cast/resin models and manufacturing parts in high quality 3D print to match customer’s own unique cars. MMM specialises in a wide range of professional services such as commissioned jobs, 3D printed plug&play parts and tailor made 3D printed accessories for your models and pretty much anything related to mainly 1/18 scale models. Eddy tells us that he only uses the best materials and the latest technologies available at this moment, to deliver his customers the ultimate high end final products. To find out more about what MMM can offer and get an idea of specific pricing, head over to its Instagram page (@miyminimodels) or drop Eddy an email: contact@ miyminimodels.com Better still, add or mention the following code (#yourvwinsmallscale) at check out and you can receive 20% off (excludes shipping). I know, we’re good… PRICE: Starting from £380 CONTACT: www.miyminimodels.com

BLOW ME Forge Motorsport is proud to release the latest version of its very popular solenoid driven valve for the 2021-on VAG 2.0 TSI engine (engine codes DNP & DNFB), so that’s Mk8 GTI and the 8Y Audi S3. Forge tells us this valve is a full replacement atmospheric blow-off valve (i.e. noisy) that integrates seamlessly with the OEM electronics and results in no detriment in performance, and thankfully absolutely NO fault codes or check engine lights! Like its full replacement recirculating valve option, this valve is fully engineered to remedy the failure issues experienced with the OEM solenoid valves when their diaphragm may rupture which results in a boost leak. According to Forge, the later revision OEM valves have a longer life but ultimately the plastic brittles and in extreme circumstances, parts of the plastic can break off. Forge’s valve uses full billet alloy construction with a piston based internal design that provides for significantly improved reliability over the OEM valves along with lightning-fast response. It has also been proven in cars running over 600bhp! PRICE: £206.47 CONTACT: www.forgemotorsport.co.uk

SMOKE DA HEADLIGHTS There are a host of headlamp opportunities available for owners of second-generation Golf models. Some styles have come and gone, but there are a few which have stood the test of time and continue to be used to great effect. Smoked crystal headlamps are one such design that have aged well and still offer aesthetic benefit, particularly for enthusiasts looking to create a more aggressive front end to their project car and once again Heritage Parts Centre has come up trumps. Retailing at £63.95 a pair these badboys will take less than an hour to install and create a noticeable transformation as soon as you step back to admire your handiwork. Simples! PRICE: £63.95 CONTACT: www.heritagepartscentre.com

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Performance VW

RACE FACE SamcoSport is proud to announce that Olly Turner has just secured a drive with the JM-Racing Team in the TCR VW CUP. He will be piloting the car that was driven by Richard Gilbert in 2020 who showed great pace in his first season. We spoke to Olly after the announcement and to say he is excited is an understatement. “2021 looks an exciting year, The Volkswagen Racing Cup will be a new challenge for me, jumping straight out of a Fiesta ST to a VW Cup car will be different, but I am looking forward to

Got a product, service or offer you want our readers to know about? Email: [email protected] with all the details and we’ll make it happen

ON THE DOWN LOW

BC Racing are pleased to announce its BR Series coilover kit for the 2k Caddy (with 49.5mm struts). Priced at £899.99 the adjustable dampers come with 7kg rated springs and are designed by the factory to have the best overall compromise of spring rate, ride height range, top mount design and damping rate to suit the majority of car owners. These competent coilovers are more than capable of dealing with fast road and track work but also retain a high degree ride civility so the car can still be used for mundane duties and long journeys without the ride becoming tiring. The BR series coilovers use a large 46mm diameter piston in a 53mm diameter damper body to maximise oil capacity. As the damper unit operates the oil contained within heats up. The viscosity of oil changes as its temperature varies which can lead to changes in the damping characteristic of the unit. They also feature pillowball type upper mounts with camber adjustment, 30-way adjustable damping and basically everything else you could possibly want from a modern, all-singing coilover. PRICE: £899.99 CONTACT: www.bc-racing.co.uk

THE OUTLIER BROTHERS

INJECTION TIME

The Outlierman, makers of handcrafted luxury driving accessories, recently announced the launch of the all-new suede Powerslide Fingerless driving gloves. Joining the full-finger Powerslide driving gloves, the brand new Powerslide Fingerless suede driving gloves offer optimal vehicle control and a design that enriches the driving experience thanks to an intricate styling which combines with the seats, steering wheels and interiors of classic and modern sports cars. The luxury suede fingerless gloves are presented in the colour combinations of Grey/ Red and Grey/Yellow. Handcrafted using specially selected suede and enriched with high-performance seams, they are the perfect accompaniment for any driving experience. PRICE: £288.79 CONTACT: www.theoutlierman.com

Converting your carburettored classic to electronic fuel injection has never been easier thanks to the new Weber Retroject Throttle Body from Webcon. Essentially, Retroject is a dual injector throttle body designed to directly replace the Weber 32/36 DGV and 38 DGAS. The critical dimensions are identical including positioning of throttle lever and throttle rotation. Thus it will be possible to remove a Weber twin choke carb and bolt on the Retroject, then add any aftermarket ECU and loom and a high pressure fuel supply from a Webcon WFP600. In doing so you will then have the power, driveability, torque and economy of a modern EFI system on your classic car. It really is as simple as that. No messing about with new throttle linkages, new air filters or new inlet manifolds. Retroject is supplied complete with: 2 x Weber PICO fuel injectors, TPS, air temp sensor, idle motor and fuel pressure regulator. The result is a complete, bolt on, EFI solution at a fraction of the cost and complexity of multi throttle bodies. PRICE: £540.54 CONTACT: www.webcon.co.uk

stepping up with JM-Racing. I can’t wait to show people what I can do and most of all I want to fight for the top spot in the championship. Let’s see what we can do.” Having won the Fiesta Junior Championship in 2019, Olly moved to the senior category last year and was in with a chance of winning the championship until a mechanical issue on the last lap of the last race meant he had to settle for 3rd. We’ll be following Olly’s progress in the VW Racing Cup right here. You can read more about Olly and his new car/team next month as we take a closer look at its 2021 set-up. CONTACT: www.samcosport.com

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WHAT'SNEW

SUPER MODEL

Is it just us, or does VW seem to be dropping new models at an alarming rate? We’re honestly struggling to keep up, but it’s nothing to grumble about, right? So, this month we bring you news of the all-new Taigo. Ahead of the model’s official European première, Volkswagen has just revealed the name of its upcoming crossover model. The Taigo is a new addition to Volkswagen’s range of SUVs in the small vehicle segment. It’s said to impress with a dynamic and emotional design. The new model also comes with a multitude of assistance systems and state-of-the-art connectivity. Classed as a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) the Taigo combines an elevated

seating position with a sporty coupé silhouette. The new Taigo will be launched on the market with economical TSI engines, LED headlights as standard, a modern operating concept, a fully digital cockpit and a multitude of assist systems. Apparently the Taigo is based on the successful Nivus model from Brazil, and will be manufactured for the European market in Pamplona, Spain. The new CUV will make its début this summer and will be launched on the market at the end of 2021. PRICE: TBC CONTACT: www.volkswagen.co.uk

BIGGY SMALLS Canadian tuner, Unitronic is pleased to launch its Stage 1 and Stage 1+ Performance Software for the Mk7 Jetta, Golf and Golf Sportwagen equipped with the 1.4TSI Gen2 EA211 engine. Advertised to produce 147hp and 184lbft of torque in stock form, Unitronic pump those power figures up to 185hp and 238lbft torque using its Stage 1+ (93 octane) calibrations for power gains of over 25%! And this is all compatible with its UniCONNECT+ cable allowing users to install their new Unitronic tunes from the comfort of their own home or garage. Does it get any better than that? Well, not really. For more details and to find out all other benefits of installing this software, head over to www.getunitronic.com now! PRICE: $500 USD (Stage 1) and $550 (Stage 1+) CONTACT: www.getunitronic.com

AND… BREATHE! Webcon has re-released its inlet manifold to enable a Weber DGV, DGAS or a Webcon Retroject Throttle Body to be fitted to the popular VW Golf 1.6 and 1.8 engines. This is the simple way to upgrade the 1.6/1.8 engines to Weber carburation or Webcon Retroject electronic fuel injection. The manifold can be ordered as part number MM0067 and retails at £333.90. Not much else to tell you… PRICE: £333.90 CONTACT: www.webcon.co.uk

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Performance VW

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PHIRM S P I H S D FRIEN on hot hatches; the influences to s rod t ho , ort sp tor mo r, Phil King From minitrucks to s’ of the car culture owne hit t tes ea ‘gr a s se ca ow sh metal. this Caddy him, it’s not just about the for r, ve we Ho s. de ca d de has thrived on for ged new ones and create for s, hip ds en fri ing ist ex This car has strengthened : Josh Richards rds: Graham Leigh Photos Wo s. rie mo me ily fam

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Performance VW

hy cars?’ is a huge question. Often people struggle answer but for 47 year-old professional Gardiner, Phil King, who hails from Ash near Aldershot, it’s in the blood. He enthused that at 90 his father still lovingly enjoys the all-original Austin A35 that his grandfather bought new in 1958. Phil attends local classic shows with mum and dad, Terry and Eric, and further afield events with VW loving sister, Beverly and brother-in-law, Ed. Partner, Lisa sometimes comes along for a day out but a permanent fixture is 14 year-old son, Oliver who is set, one day, to inherit the gorgeous Mk1 Caddy that adorns these pages. A proper family affair. Phil explained that growing up as a child in the 1980s shaped his automotive taste:

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“I loved the Nissan pickups and minitruck thing that was going on in the late ‘80s. I’d previously been blown away by Mk1 Golf GTIs so when a neighbour of ours brought home a Caddy Sport with its gleaming white paint and factory go faster stripes it felt like the best of both worlds and definitely planted a seed at a tender young age”. Age and insurance influenced the first car choice of a Nova 1.2L saloon but the modified bug of the 1990s soon hit hard: “I met a guy called Robin Grigg who owned a scrap yard and was a lot older than me. He had many custom cars magazine featured back in the day but was humble enough to explain things and be encouraging to the young lads coming through. I remember we laughed when he turned his attention to an Austin Metro one week but it came out looking fantastic which taught me that the right mods on the right car were worth their

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weight in gold”. By his early twenties, Phil had turned his attention to a Mk3 Fiesta Van. With a 1600 CVH and RS Turbo body kit, it was of the time and his pride and joy. More Fords followed including XR2s, an XR3 and period king of the cruise, a Sierra Saphire RS Cosworth. Other highlights included Williams Clios, a Subaru Impreza Prodrive WRX and a BMW e46 M3. Most cars sported mild modifications. VAG flavoured machinery has featured sporadically throughout Phil’s driving career and started in 1998 when he first had his own gardening business. “I bought a T4 as it was reliable, practical for carrying my equipment and a nice van to drive. I had a VR6 in 2001 which I loved and that encouraged me to buy an S3 a bit later on. Family commitments and work led to a break from Volkswagen ownership but I continued to take an interest and, of course, read PVW”. This hiatus ended in style with the purchase of a 60-plate Scirocco in 2013. Phil set about enhancing the car immediately and describes this period as the point where he truly immersed himself in the VW scene. The 2.0 TDi example was treated to Rotiform threepiece QLB split rims, KW DDC suspension, Recaro Sportster CS seats and high-end audio. It was sold in early 2020 as the featured caddy was evolving to the standard you see here. A T6 work van completes the current line up.

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That too has been hit with the modifying stick and sits on MB Design 20” wheels having been lowered with Bilstein shocks and Eibach lowering springs. Even when fully loaded the van never has trouble stopping as the Scirocco donated its AP Racing 380mm brake kit. The Caddy was bought back in December 2017 as a running project that father and son could enjoy together and create car-based memories as has been the tradition in the family for generations. Phil was pleased with the purchase: “Although originally a 1.6 Diesel, the 1990 Caddy was a running car with the ABF conversion already in it. It had been painted in VW Pure grey and I feel I paid a fair price for it. It was a good starting place for me and my ‘mini-me’, Oliver”. Phil explained that although he is a creative at heart, he has been blessed with a horticulturally rather than mechanically based skillset and whilst happy to tackle basics, he wanted the mechanicals doing once and properly: “Back when I still had my Scirocco, I had started to visit (Blackwater based Volkswagon Group tuners) The Phirm. Over time I built up a friendship with the guys there and a trust in their fastidious attention to detail. I

witnessed that they could realise visions and have the foresight and expertise to know what would and wouldn’t work much like me with my gardening expertise”. The first thing to address was the Caddy’s bare interior. A Corrado carpet was sourced, modified and fitted. Phil used grey Perspex to create the fresh motorsport style door cards. A level of themed thinking usually reserved for hot rods was displayed when Phil used tow straps that came as a free gift with german clothing brand, FLGNTLT: “I realised that the tow straps would make excellent door pulls but I only had one. I had to buy an extra t-shirt to collect the pair!” Following on this theme, Phil used the branded plastic-coated yellow tips from the drawstring on one of their hoodies as door lock pulls. A mint pair of Fiesta RS Turbo seats were pulled out from the ‘come in handy’ pile in Phil’s loft. He finished off the yellow colour coding by fitting Suzuki Swift fishnet headrests which were modified to fit and a Momo Prototipo steering wheel. The Phirm custom made seat frames and rails to accommodate the six-foot driver in the Mk1 Caddy’s famously cramped cabin. The Phirm’s founder and proprietor, Tim

"It was a good starting place for me and my ‘mini-me’, Oliver”

Bespoke Inlet Manifold Phil explained that his absolute favourite modification on the car is the heavily reworked but OEM-looking inlet manifold. “I’ve had so many people stop and stare at it and try and work out what it’s from,” laughs Phil. The 2.0 ABF conversion is a tried and tested means to a rev-happy 150bhp as standard, but the inlet manifold in its factory position exits awkwardly close to the driver’s side suspension turret once it is re-housed in the Caddy/Mk1 platform. Always up for a challenge and ever the perfectionist, Tim Saunders takes up the story: “To achieve the requisite position, the stock item had to essentially be turned upside down and moved from back to front. I wanted to retain the idle stabilisation valve and breathing system under the unit as per the original but because of the flipped orientation this required new bracketry and the removal of the original location tags. The standard inlet manifold is two-piece where the trumpets and plenum sit aloft the engine and are connected to the injector port housing second piece at the bottom. There was some concern that the heavily reworked bottom section wouldn’t house the upper section completely straight and true. This worry was unfounded when the digital spirit level gave a reading of 00.00! The trumpets were cut and shortened which allows the throttle body to exit at a nice un-fouled position, forward in the ‘bay. Precision TIG welds were polished out smooth and the iconic ‘VW DOHC-16V’ font was retained as this was also cut and repositioned to remain atop. The finished article appears to the uninitiated as a cast, factory piece which was the intention. I’m delighted with it”.

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Saunders explained that although the rear axle had been previously flipped to lower the Caddy, it needed to be reworked: “A common thing we see on the Mk1 Caddy is that the years of abuse these cars endured when they were builder’s trucks and general workhorses catches up with them. They originally sat quite high to allow for hefty payloads. The axle flip is a common mod and gets them sitting low but they are often out of alignment. This one had discrepancies with ride height between the two sides and it was even out of centre. After taking precise measurements we removed and then refitted the mounting plates and the rear axle assembly is now perfectly true”. This is complemented up front with the use of KW Variant coilovers. Completing the under-car alterations is a bespoke spare wheel cage. It’s welded neatly onto the bottom of the bed frame which avoided either drilling through the load area or having a spare cluttering up the neat, painted bed. Attention was then turned to the engine bay where the theme was to retain a factory flavour and functionality whilst simultaneously decluttering. The contents of the ‘bay were removed except for the gearbox and engine block. Phil explained that at this stage of the build he would often check in with Tim and be

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Performance VW

greeted with a shopping list of nuts and bolts. Eventually, every old under-bonnet fixing was replaced with stainless steel. “I was on firstname terms with the guy in the local hardware store in the end but he wasn’t always pleased to see me given the length of some of my wish lists” Phil explained. The ECU and loom were relocated under the glovebox from their original scuttle tray position. The clutch bottle and hardware was moved and neatly installed under the dashboard. The rocker cover has been painted body colour but with contrasting polished fins and HT lead apertures. The large alloy radiator was moved down and forward to allow it to sit neatly under the front slam panel. Exhaust headers were shortened to neaten the ‘bay further which are connected to a full custom stainless exhaust. Clumsy factory wiring was tidied up with a neat uniform approach. Black Samco hosing and a K&N induction kit gives a subtle nod to the early 2000s modified movement whilst still keeping it classy. The exterior of the Caddy continues the blend of minimal but purposeful style displayed under the bonnet. An OEM Mk1 Golf GTI grill is joined by a new set of Hella headlights. An early Mk1 Golf bumper has been painted body colour and the smaller variant of lip spoiler has

DUB DETAILS ENGINE: 2.0 ABF 16V engine and 5-speed transmission from a Mk3 Golf GTI, engine bay factory nuts and bolts replaced with stainless steel items, ECU and loom relocated under glove box, clutch bottle and hardware relocated under dashboard, rocker cover painted body colour with contrasting polished fins and HT lead apertures, large alloy radiator, shortened exhaust headers, custom stainless steel exhaust system, under bonnet wiring tidied, black Samco hosing, K&N induction kit, reworked and repositioned bespoke inlet manifold CHASSIS: 7x17” (ET35) LV Design 1.2 twopiece split rims with Nankang Noble Sport 185/35/17 tyres, flipped rear axle with lowering shocks, KW Variant front coilovers, bespoke spare wheel cage under the car EXTERIOR: Resprayed in VW Pure Grey, OEM Mk1 Golf GTI grill, new set of Hella headlights, early Mk1 Golf bumper painted body colour, small lip spoiler, Caddy Covers UK black load cover, early Chrome Golf mirrors INTERIOR: Fiesta RS Turbo seats with Suzuki Swift fishnet headrests on modified frames and rails, adapted Corrado carpet, Momo Prototipo steering wheel, Perspex motorsport style door cards, FLGNTLT branded door pulls and doorlock pins, NOS replacement instrument clocks SHOUT: Horti-Chores professional gardening business, Tim, Sam, Paul, Josh and Rob at The Phirm for all their hard work and all the laughs along the way, Simon at Still Static for his professionalism and customer service, My long-suffering partner, Lisa Scott and son, Oliver for their love and support, my longstanding VW buddies Ginge and Garf for all the years of help, shows and friendship, FLGNTLT, Josh at Vamp Original for all your help, enthusiasm and awesome photographs

FO R A L L YO U R T U N I N G R E Q U I R E M E N TS – H A R DWA R E A N D S O F T WA R E S E RV I C I N G , M A I N T E N A N C E A N D M O D I F I CAT I O N S 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT | WHEELS/TYRES

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been fitted. Phil informed he is really happy with the Caddy Covers UK black load cover: “It sits nicely, I fitted it within half an hour and there's no drilling required unlike some options”. Early chrome Golf mirrors which were picked up for a bargain £15 from a classic car swap meet complete a pleasing mix of retro and modern against that classy, contemporary-looking hue. Self-confessed wheel nut, Phil agonised over a couple of sets of hoops before settling on the rolling stock on display here. Mk3.5 Golf Cabriolet two-piece 16” BBS were drafted in originally followed by 17” BBS LM replicas. Simon at Still Static came up trumps in sorting the stunning LV Design 1.2 two-piece 7x17" split rims that now sit pretty in the arches and

bring a hint of motorsport to proceedings. Although built to personal tastes as opposed to a deliberate crowd-pleaser, the show scene has given a clear thumbs up in the form of silverware awarded at such prestigious events as Stoner Park, Dubs at the Park, Edition 38 and Golf Club’s 2020 GTG. Praise indeed. So, what’s next for this well-executed keeper? “Like all good modified cars, it will never be completely finished and it will be a matter of small refinements and rare parts as I go along now. Like I said, my son will one day inherit this and even if he didn’t want it, I don’t think I could part with it as it represents a great friendship I have built with Tim and the team at the Phirm in addition to the journey of the build” ■

"I don’t think I could part with it as it represents a great friendship I have built with the team at The Phirm" Available 24/7

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Performance VW

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AUCTION WATCH

HAMMER TIME We take a look at some of the recent UK auction results to monitor what sort of money classic or future classic VWs and Audis are passing hands for. While many models have started to climb, there are still bargains to be had if you know what you’re looking for… Words: Daniel Bevis Photos: See individual credits n some ways, the ‘classic’ watercooled VW scene has taken a while to really get off the ground, especially in terms of second-hand values. This is largely down to how well these cars were built by the German brand originally, leading to many cult models still

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AUDI QUATTRO RALLY CAR Audi Quattros were born in the dirt, and that’s precisely where this one’s stayed. Whereas more and more of these desirable 1980s coupes are being restored and mothballed by moneyed collectors, here’s a sweet 1983 survivor that’s remained true to its roots. An MSA competition logbook issued in 2007 confirms the car’s status as a Category 4 historic vehicle, and it would appear that its last competitive outing was in 2008; since then it’s been used for fun and hijinks, but all the bits to allow it to hold its own through the forests are still in place – the cage, buckets, extinguishers, the lot. It’s had a lot of work done recently to keep it tip-top, too. So how much does all this motorsport awesomeness costs these days? On this occasion, at Mathewsons in Pickering in early December, £26,230 was the magic number. Lot of old-school cool for the cash.

Photo credit: Mathewsons

SALE PRICE: £26,230

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being driven daily up until very recently. If only everything in life was as reliable… Thankfully, now prices have finally stared to saw it looks like there will be no stopping them, so it’s a good idea to get in there quickly now before that classic VW you’ve always promised yourself becomes an unaffordable option.

Mk1 GTI was fully retored for TV show, Mend it for Money, including full respray

MK1 GOLF GTI

Photo credit: Classic Car Auctions

Cars that have been restored for TV series can be a bit of a mixed bag. It all depends which show it’s been built for and, crucially, how much money the channel and the production company are willing to throw at it. If you’re looking at, say, Fast N’ Loud, you know that it’s been something built with high-end parts by expert enthusiasts, but at the same time it’s been put together on a tight deadline; further down the food chain you find similar deadlines with lower budgets. So the celebrity of the car doesn’t always match up to the quality. This Mk1 GTI looks alright though, doesn’t it? Restored for the Channel 4 series Mend it for Money, the premise of the show is that two seasoned restorers bid to win the gig of restoring the car for its owner, with the car then being auctioned off to net as much profit as possible. This GTI was sold by Classic Car Auctions in December – it’s had a full glass-out repaint in its original Mars red, total engine rebuild, new Bilsteins, and the interior retrimmed in the correct GTI cloth. Looks to be a lovely job, and the hammer fell at £15,318.

SALE PRICE: £15,318

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AUCTION WATCH

MK2 SCIROCCO GT We’ve always been a sucker for a Scirocco – it’s basically a hot Golf in a party frock, and the design has aged beautifully. Of course it was never as big a seller as its more practical sibling, and there are fewer and fewer of them about these days so it’s always pleasing to find a tidy and solid one. This particular example, a Mk2 GT, went through the online auctions at Car & Classic at the tail end of last year. With 92k on the clock and only three owners, it was all original right down to the steel wheels. Sure, there were a couple of blemishes here and there, with a smattering of rust on the roof and so on, but it was all solid and original, and a decent runner. The final selling price? A frankly surprising £2600. Just imagine what sort of money it would have made if this had been a similar-era Golf in comparable condition… if you’ve ever fancied a Scirocco, it looks like now is the time.

The Mk2 Scirocco has been deemed undesirable by the masses for some time, but hopefully that looks set to change. Pick up a bargain while there's still time

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Photo credit: Darren Rungasamy / @reallyloudcars

SALE PRICE: £2600

6N POLO GTI

This particular 6N GTI was offered for sale in Brightwells’ December auction in Leominster, and it looked pretty interesting. Sitting lower over a set of Ronal R10s, it had a pretty cool vibe and a few bits and bobs had been done; exhaust, induction, etc. There was very little paperwork with

it, although the car did come with a variety of parts for a potential supercharger conversion. Bit of a gamble, but a sale price of £1960 means that someone out there saw some potential in it.

SALE PRICE: £1960

Photo credit: Brightwells

The 6N-generation Polo is a model that’s been becoming increasingly popular in the last couple of years, both among modifiers and collectors. It’s in the real sweet-spot of the retro/modern-classic vortex, as production of the Mk3 kicked off back in 1994, but continued well into the 21st century, finally calling time in 2003. So for a lot of people these were the cars they aspired to when they were growing up, particularly the two sporting variants that were sold between 2000-02 – the 16v and the GTI. The former rocked a 100bhp 1.4litre motor, while the latter was packing a full-fat 1.6 16v with 125bhp; it was the most powerful production Polo to date, and that’s the car we’re looking at here. Now… how brave are you when it comes to buying up other people’s half-done projects? There’s two ways of looking at it: on the one hand, a decent chunk of the money’s been spent already, so you can hit the ground running. But on the other hand, well, perhaps the seller gave up on the car for a reason. But hey, you’ve got to roll the dice sometimes.

The 6N Polo GTI is a solid, fun little base car and can still be yours for under two grand!

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AUCTION WATCH While Mk2 GTI prices have recently shot up, you can still find a bargain with non-GTI models or in more-door cars

MK2 GOLF GLX Bonhams’ MPH Auction, held at Bicester Heritage, featured all the sorts of cars you’d expect to find at a fancy Bonhams auction: Bentleys, Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, Jaguars… and tucked in amongst it all, we spied this original Mk2 Golf 1.8 GLX. It’s a left-hand-drive car, originally supplied to an owner in Paris, and stayed in single-family ownership until 2013. It was recommissioned in 2019 and came with a huge history file. So what’s a left-hand-drive five-door Mk2 worth in Britain these days? It turned out the answer to that was £2,250 – so was that someone with particularly niche tastes who wanted a period-capsule left-hooker runabout, or simply the going rate for a solid Mk2 shell…?

Photo credit: Bonhams

SALE PRICE: £2250

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1980s homologation specials are changing hands for really eye-watering sums these days, and money talks when it comes to all-original survivors. The Golf Rallye has long been a favourite of water-cooled VW enthusiasts: in 1989, the company developed a Golf to meet the regs of the 1990 World Rally Championship, with 5000 units needing to be built, and what the world ended up with was a Mk2 with Syncro four wheel-drive, a G-Lader supercharger bolted to the 1.8-litre motor (downsized from 1781cc to 1763cc to meet the WRC displacement guidelines), rectangular headlamps, and spectacular box arches. And just check out this tidy ’89 car that popped up at the Aguttes auction over in France in December; it had a minor mechanical overhaul recently, including replacing the exhaust, brake discs, clutch slave cylinder and radiator fan with OE bits, as well as the original wheels being refurbed. On the whole it’s a supremely tidy and all-original example. The selling price? €23,900 – equivalent to about £21,000. The only way is up, baby.

Crazy to think £21k is considered a bargain for a Rallye Golf these days

Photo credit: Aguttes

AUCTION WATCH

GOLF RALLYE

PRICE: £21,000

CORRADO VR6

Photo credit: Historics Auctioneers

Back in the nineties, the Corrado was a brilliantly imaginative way of taking the Golf platform upmarket. Naturally you can’t just rebody a Golf and increase the price by 50%, so the Corrado positively bristled with modelspecific developments to justify its distinctly unGolflike pricing strategy. It glimmered and sparkled with alluring details; that pop-up rear spoiler, air-con, electric windows, heated electric mirrors, leather steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer, posh stereo, ABS, sunroof, leather seats, heated washer nozzles… and the addition of the VR6 motor to the line-up was a masterstroke. In line with VW’s enthusiasm to differentiate the Corrado from its stablemates and justify its price-tag, the model received a unique 2.9-litre version of the engine. The European-market 2.9-litre VR motor delivered a muscular 190bhp, and the car’s wider track necessitated broader front wings and a new bumper assembly. It also had Koni shocks and a very cool bonnet bulge. The one we have here, finished in fabulous Blackberry paint, is an all-original 1995 car that went through the recent Historics auction at Ascot. With low miles and an estimate of £9-12k, it ended up crossing the block at £10,304, which sounds about right for a tidy VR Corrado. It wasn’t that long ago that this would have seemed crazy money for a ’Rado, but keep watching… before you know it, we’ll be calling that a bargain.

SALE PRICE: £10,304 40

Performance VW

Okay, who let Jamie Orr in? How does he drive two cars at once, too?

CLASS REUNION The main aim of Florida’s Euro Tripper event is to theme each year’s show around a European gathering and then invite that show’s hosts across to celebrate, but as that wasn’t possible this year it was decided a class reunion was in order instead! Words: Bruce Bronson Photos: James Jetton

Dare-to-be-different crew was out in true force…

Dean Eidel bagged Caddy running later 2.0 TDI motor

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Well, would you run a hood? Mac Herron's Mk1 Jetta Coupe running 16v on ITBs f anyone could pull off a massive car show during this crazy era of Covid-19, we just knew the crew at Euro Tripper could do it! The team worked tirelessly to meet all the expectations and restrictions to pull off a safe, but yet still fun and massive event. Some may think that being a Florida event, the team could simply hold an event, and no one would have any concerns or restrictions. That could not be further from the truth! Paul from Euro Tripper tells us he

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had to make many adjustments to ensure the event was safe and met the expectations and demands of many stakeholders. The local authorities had expectations, but so did the corporate sponsors (Volkswagen, Unitronic, Airlift, Rotiform, etc) as well as the Boston Red Sox (venue owners). The team implemented a slew of precautions like masks, social distancing, cashless, as well as many changes for the food trucks. While some complained and wanted the event to be restriction free, the vast majority understood

and gladly followed the guidelines. The team initially expected a smaller event than previous years, but felt it was important to still hold the event. People have been without a car event for so long, something had to be better than nothing! As the event drew closer, it was clear that turnout was not going to be low at all. Take a look at the massive amounts of cars that made it out. Amazing South Florida weather certainly helped out too! South Florida in February is almost a sure bet of a great time. The great

Okay, we knows it's air-cooled by how good to this look?

Mike Meszaros (left) running retro-style four-spoke Rotiforms and Jose Prieto's pretty Jetta GLS on vintage four-spokes

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So that's where we left the french horn! Crazy 16vT…

weather, sunshine and beaches are an instant relief when most everywhere else is freezing cold! The guys at Euro Tripper have been holding their annual event for many years now and have a winning formula for a great time. Covid-19 lockdowns, over the summer, certainly made the usual travels to Europe basically impossible. For those unfamiliar, the concept of Euro Tripper comes from the main promoter Paul Barney’s many travels to Europe. He tries to bring the quality and

Previously featured more door Mk3 VR6 still looking good…

Right: Carbon-fronted Corrado and slammed Mk2 'Rocco looked tough…

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We don't care what we're drinking… we're in!

details found in our best events over to his event in the states. Many of the previous shows have had an annual tribute theme to one of the major European regions. ET5 was dedicated to Holland, ET6 he worked with VW Days and the French, and ET4 was dedicated to Britain. Euro Tripper is also the only American VAG event to have a full drive on stage like we have at many of the big European events. Our own Si Gray has been flying over to cover the event for many years as well (but sadly that wasn’t possible this

year). In the end, with all the was going on in the world, for ET8 it was decided to focus on a ‘Reunion’ theme instead. Another unique element of Euro Tripper is their long standing partnership with Volkswagen. VWoA has been bringing out a massive display of ‘Enthusiasts Fleet’ vehicles to Euro Tripper since the early days. The VW booth is always a must first stop. From the terrific swag and goodies, to the ultra-cool VW private collection vehicles to the Enthusiasts Fleet, it’s always

a prime attraction. In addition to VWoA, ET8 was sponsored by Rotiform, Unitronic, UROTuning, and Simply Clean. Massive love and support are always evident at Euro Tripper. The event weekend kicked off with a nice get together Friday night. The crew holds a BBQ while vendors are setting up their displays for the main show on Saturday. It’s a nice relaxed opportunity to hang out, get the last-minute details sorted and get something to eat. Super chill and relaxed evening.

Corrado looked like it could have rolled straight out the factory with 24v V6 fitted…

Past masters… Previously featured Mk3s continue to evolve. So fresh…

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We honestly think the simpler you keep a Mk7 the better it will look. Here's proof…

"Paul tells us it’s pretty well understood that the event is mainly VAG" Come Saturday morning, the event starts off with the Mutts Nuts cars entering the venue. The Mutt’s Nuts is a preselected group of cars the event team picks to park in front of the stage. This is where you typically find the very best of the show and those most likely to be on stage later in the day. However, the rest of the show field always has some great gems that didn’t apply for Mutt’s Nuts for whatever reason. There’s always lots of nice cars to check out. The event is open to all European makes, but Paul tells us it’s pretty well understood the event is mainly VAG. The event was a big success. Not only the turnout and the great cars, but the safe and healthy way the event was organised. The local health department and law

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enforcement officials that attended the event were extremely complimentary on everything about the event. Some of our favourite cars included the GTI display from VWoA, featuring all seven generations of the GTI. Matt’s 3.6 swapped Mk6 Golf, Mike Unland’s latest amazing project debut, a dropped Renault Dauphine on a custom VW chassis, as well as Mike’s immaculate black Notchback on Rotiforms, an amazing collection of Mk1s made the trip including Che Cooper’s Caddy from Massachusetts, and an amazing custom Mercedes 1972 280SEL(W108) on air and sporting a V8 swap. Now the team is busy working on Alpine Volks Fair in Helen, GA! We’ll bring you news of that as it unfolds… n

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lthough there’s an underlying risk of the unknown in any used car, the potential for pain is never greater nor more unpredictable than it is when you take on someone else’s project. Tracing the mental hoopjumping behind years of custom work can turn apparently minor headaches into a rat’s nest of problems, sometimes to the point of uneconomical repair. But for Teemu Vähämäki, that rollercoaster process unfolded in reverse. “About six years ago, I was looking for a Mk2 Golf for a 1.8T swap, and my tuner friend Janne was selling the Corrado with the engine

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already in it,” he tells us. “The car wasn’t pretty, but the plan was to slaughter it – to strip the engine out and use it somewhere else. But there aren’t many of these in Finland, and I started to like the shape. The more I drove it, the more I fell in love with it.” Given the luck he’s had with previous projects, that’s an Olympic-grade leap of faith. Based near Helsinki, Teemu spent his childhood churning up the fields of the family horse farm on an ATV between trips to Germany to buy livestock, and eventually set his sights on importing a Passat 1.8T as a first car. The market had other ideas, putting him behind the wheel of a Mk4 Golf V5 which, within weeks,

had started running on four cylinders. This was the beginning of an unplanned learning curve – the expertise that’s gone into the Corrado was born out of necessity, rather than a desire for a new hobby. “Everything I know about cars is self-taught, of course with help from friends,” he explains. “My father’s cousin helped me build my first 1.8T for the Mk4, and it’s still the fastest engine swap I’ve ever done. That car was my daily at the time and I needed it to get to work on the Monday, so we got everything ready, started on Friday evening and on Sunday we picked up a pizza with it. That’s how this whole journey started.”

ONE CAREFUL DONOR Teemu Vähämäki had big ideas when he bought this 1.8T-swapped track machine six years ago – but the Corrado itself wasn’t part of them. Words: Alex Grant Photos: Matti Tirronen

Spin forward three years, and the Corrado was very obviously a bigger headache than a rough-running Mk4. The shell was tired but worth saving, wearing the remains of a vinyl wrap, home to a few electrical gremlins, and arriving with a few gaps in the mechanical spec. Janne had equipped the AUM engine with a bigger Garrett GT3076 ball bearing turbocharger and forged conrods to ramp up the power, but he’d stopped short of adding a limited-slip differential to rein it back in. Characterful, then? “The engine was making more than 300hp, so it was quite fast but it was really scary to drive. You couldn’t keep it in a lane, it was all over the road, and it

wasn’t the prettiest car, either. Actually, that’s being kind – it was fucking ugly – so I started thinking I could just respray it, change the wheels and tidy everything up. Then I saw a picture of a rolled over Corrado and decided it needed a cage, too…” That first overhaul began in winter 2015. With the next show season in sight, Teemu stripped the coupe’s rear seats to make way for a half cage and began looking for an alternative to the original metallic blue paint. Volkswagen’s own colour charts offered up a few appealing alternatives, but the final inspiration was lifted from elsewhere in the Group. Rally Green is Skoda’s signature hue,

but the heavy flake picks out the angles and creases of the bodywork without looking obviously aftermarket. With a set of refurbished BBS RX2s from a Mk4 Golf Cabrio and bodycoloured roll cage in the back, the parts car had become a project in its own right. At least temporarily. The Corrado racked up an intensive summer show season with its new paint before disappearing into hibernation as the weather turned, staying under wraps for a while longer than planned. In need of a new daily driver, Teemu took a chance on a Mk4 Golf V5 4Motion and ended up with another dead engine shortly afterwards. Raising funds to get a 1.8T under the bonnet

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would mean parting ways with the Corrado’s turbo, but it also caused a temporary loss of momentum for the coupe. “That Mk4 was meant to be my daily, but… it’s not,” he laughs. “I bought it in January 2017, and two months later it was entered in one of the biggest car shows in Finland, with an engine swap, suspension and brakes, a new interior and R32 bodykit. I was only planning to do an engine swap, but it didn’t end up like that. Actually, it still hasn’t ended up like that.” The Corrado hadn’t slipped off the radar completely. When the long nights and cold weather returned, Teemu started drawing up an action plan for the next stage of its evolution, and a series of well-timed events

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got the ball rolling again. Including a change of career; within a month of picking up the Sparco seats from local motorsport parts shop Autoracing, they’d given him a job. His hobby was suddenly paying the bills, but the day job was also immersing him in all the inspiration and contacts he’d need to finish the build. This was only going to go one way. Unlatch the bonnet pins, and there’s no evidence of the Corrado’s home-grown roots. This is the same AUM engine it came with, but now plumbed into the coupe’s front end with the sort of finely-honed attention usually reserved for concours restorations. Teemu spent the winter of 2018 fabricating mounts, tubular manifolds and intercooler pipework ready to step up to the new Garrett GTX 2868

turbo, then modified the brackets and outlet of a Mk5 Golf R32 airbox get it into the bay. Not only does it look factory fitted, it can also allegedly flow enough air to make around 400hp on the OE filter. Behind the tidier install, the powertrain has all the right components to go with its shot of extra boost. Importantly, that spec includes a strengthened 02M six-speed gearbox with a Peloquin limited slip differential to help put the power down, while the subframe and wishbones were reinforced to match. Intakes set into the bumper’s old fog light holes draw air into the cooling pack – a sizeable front-mount intercooler and radiator, carefully repositioned so they’re not visible with the bonnet open.

"The PDM controls things like the lighting, wipers and starting and stopping of the engine"

Needless to say, this wasn’t turned around in a weekend. “The wiring was like a snake nest, so when I removed the engine I decided to strip the loom, throw it in the bin and start again,” says Teemu, scrolling through countless build pics on his phone. “I hadn’t done anything like that before, so it took two months to re-wire the car in my spare time, and it was freakin’ scary cutting the cables and wondering how I’d get it back together. “All of the wiring was replaced, except for the rear spoiler and central locking, and I have an E-Race ECU and power distribution module. The PDM controls things like the lighting, wipers and starting and stopping the engine. That’s my favourite part of the build – I’ve never seen one on a street car.”

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"There’s eight layers of clearcoat on there, because of the pinholes in the carbon weave"

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Performance VW

Road legality is no easy goal in Finland, and the Corrado isn’t a trailered track and show car. The interior has a hint of GT-spec Porsche 911 to it, seamlessly blending fixed bucket seats and the aluminium CAE shifter with full upholstery and diamond-stitched leather panels. Although the trimming work was outsourced, everything else is homemade, including the mount for the PDM and the Corrado-branded battery tray set into the false floor behind the driver’s seat. It’s a mix that keeps the car bearable for long-distance touring without blunting the performance. Despite the ICE install – linked via Bluetooth to Teemu’s phone, as there’s no room for a head unit up front – the coupe’s 1,050kg wet weight is lighter than an Up GTI. Factor in 389hp and 417Nm at the flywheel on E85 race fuel, and there’s more than enough muscle to shrug off the bulk of a few creature comforts. Of course, like the

mechanical parts, every visual component had to be just right. “The carbon fibre bonnet came from Germany, but it wasn’t what I was expecting,” explains Teemu, pressing the pins back into position. “It was shiny in the photos, but when it arrived it was matte and looked terrible. My friend Samuli did an amazing job with the coating, but he hated me for making him do it. There’s eight layers of clearcoat on there, because of the pinholes in the carbon weave.” By this point, the day job had become a disruptive influence on the contents of his bank account. Within weeks of starting at Autoracing, he’d picked up the Koni coilovers in a sale, and soon afterwards he was making use of the company’s status as a distributor for Compomotive Wheels. Deciding that big power and the spacers needed to get his sixpot brakes behind the BBS splits, the TH1s offer all the backspacing needed to tuck

that hardware away, and they’re wrapped in Federal semi-slicks to rein in the furious power delivery. There’s no nagging unchecked detail that would let it down at a show, but that subtly raked stance lets on that there’s a bit more going on underneath. Teemu saw no need to follow the crowd: “People tell me it’s too high – and sure, I could lower my car more, but why would I need all that horsepower if I can’t drive it? Having a car that’s too fucking low and still having loads of power is like going to a hooker and asking for a hug. I build my cars to be driven.” He’s not kidding; two years on from the latest rebuild and – bearing Covid-related downtime in mind – the Corrado has racked up 25,000 kilometres of long-haul drives between track days and shows all over Finland and Sweden. Considering how few standard parts are left, it’s thrown up barely any challenges along the way and minor

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DUB DETAILS ENGINE: 1781cc, four-cylinder, 20-valve turbo petrol (AUM), VW Motorsport bearings, IE forged conrods, stock pistons, ported cylinder head, custom exhaust manifold, Garrett GTX2867 Gen 1 turbocharger, Mk5 R32 airbox, front-mount intercooler with custom pipework, custom intake manifold, Bosch EV14 1,100cc injectors, 3in custom-made exhaust with Magnaflow catalyst and rear silencer, E-Race ECU, 02M gearbox with reinforced forks, Peloquin limited-slip differential, Sachs SRE flywheel, pressure plate and clutch disc, CAE shifter, Mk4 VR6 radiator, Vibra-Technics rear engine bushings, custommade tubular front cross bar and engine mount, Vibrant Performance oil catch can CHASSIS: 8x17” ET35 Compomotive TH1781 wheels, 225/40 Federal 595 RS-Pro tyres, stud conversion, reinforced wishbones and subframe, Koni coilovers, Powerflex bushings, XYZ sixpiston calipers with 303x28mm Tar-Ox discs and Ferodo DS2500 pads EXTERIOR: Full respray in Skoda Rally Green, carbon fibre bonnet, rain tray and rear wing, Passat B3 sunroof, InPro indicators, fog lights replaced with air vents INTERIOR: Custom wiring loom with E-Race Powerboard PDM and dashboard, door, tailgate and dashboard panels re-trimmed in black leather with green stitching, bolt-in roll cage painted Skoda Rally Green, Sparco Grid seats, Takata four-point harnesses, Sparco steering wheel, custom ‘Corrado’ battery holder ICE: Massive Audio FK6 front speakers with carbon fibre tweeter pods, Massive Audio BLX2 amplifier with Bluetooth dongle, Massive Audio E3 amplifier with GTX124R subwoofer SHOUT: Joni, Aapo and Mika for the help, Janne for the tuning work, Samuli for the paint.

teething issues have been easy to cure. When the PDM reported low charging voltage, for example, it turned out to be powdercoating on an earthing point causing the problem. “It’s been really reliable, so in the summer I drive it all the time,” says Teemu. “If it breaks, I’ll repair it, I don’t understand why you would spend all that time building something then keep it locked away. If you have a goodlooking car and it works, why wouldn’t you drive it?” Of course, the problem with familiarity is there’s always a temptation to push the boat out a little further. Finnish road regulations had

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limited powertrain swaps from other models without prohibitive amounts of paperwork, but a recent relaxation of those rules means there’s room for the Corrado to evolve again. Teemu already has a Haldex-converted Syncro rear axle in the garage, and a 20v turbo engine stroked to two litres to give it a workout. But don’t hold your breath for a quick turnaround – this one looks like a slow burner. “The Mk4 is my next project – at the moment, there’s no suspension on it, no engine and no wings, bonnet or bumper,” he tells us, clearly relishing getting stuck into another project. “I’m hoping to get 600hp

out of a stroked 20v turbo, and my friend is making me a carbon fibre R32 bumper, so it will have a full carbon front end. But that’s maybe after I buy my house, and the next evolution of the Corrado will come at some point after that. There’s no rush – I’ll keep it until I die, and drive it until it’s illegal…” Distractions from other projects aside, that’s perhaps the biggest risk left. Having spent six years re-tracing the rats’ nests out of the Corrado, it’s arguably an even better all-rounder than it was out of the factory. It’s a rare and unexpected happy ending for a would-be parts car n

T I K R WO

here’s nothing like a bit of scratch and gouge to offend somebody who does bodywork for a living. The mere mention of 80grit, shopping trollies, keys and parking next to anybody in a busy multi storey will make many a painter weep and physically recoil whilst sucking air through those front teeth. Unless, that is, they’re one of the relatively new-fangled and endlessly

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versatile SMART repair specialists who can patch scratches with ease whilst waving their wizarding rods of paintless dent removal to restore a car to showroom like flawlessness without even going near a spraybooth. Anyone who’s ever seen this PDR witchcraft in action will attest that it’s considerably more complicated and highly skilled than any professional ever makes it appear. So, as we ogle a van that’s used on a daily basis as a works vehicle, it’s staggering

to believe that this really is a ‘wagen that works. Whereas the vast majority of Caddys and Transporters are more at home with a few mangled copies of the Daily Sport and some McDonald’s wrappers strewn across the dash, this particular 2k Caddy couldn’t be further from the stereotype. For Stuart Court (48) his van is an extension not only of his personality, but also his business, ADT Smart Repairs, “You just can’t turn up in something

living everyday of A Caddy that works for a t of place on any its life yet wouldn’t look ou more effort than showground? Considerably it sounds? You betcha… d otos: Matt Cliffor Words: Jimbo Wallace Ph

average when you do what I do, it really is the ultimate calling card for my business, and the Vauxhall was shot to pieces as I’d probably only washed it three times in ten years. People always remember me when I pull up in the Caddy,” says a clearly proud Mr Court “Even when you’re working on Supercars the owners always give the van a polite nod of appreciation, it really is a talking point.” And who can blame them? This 2012 1.6TDi is an absolute stunner. Tapping

into the Van GTi culture that has emerged since VW Commercial Vehicles realised that it can pimp up almost anything that leaves the factory with optional styling extras, this is no run of the mill UK load lugger. Stuart’s outlook when he first got the van in 2016 was pretty simple, “I just wanted a van that was a lot tidier than my old, battered Vauxhall.” he revealed. He got rid of the Combo and sold a nice E46 330Ci that he hardly used to invest in this ’12 plate Blackberry Metallic (LL4U)

high-spec Caddy. Factory specced with air con, leccy windows, MFSW, heated seats and a Bluetooth phone kit already, and having covered just 65k it was poised ready for Watford lad Stuart to work his magic. “The compressor I use is massive so everything had to be based around that. I also needed room for all of my carp fishing gear, so it truly is a multi-purpose vehicle.” Attention initially focused on getting the shelving right in the back of the van along with a new Altro

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"So when the weather’s howling and the rain is pissing down it’s far from ideal"

floor to accommodate all of Stuart’s work gear, but then he made the mistake of thinking, “Won’t it look nice with a set of alloys on.” We all know where that slippery slope heads, right? A 93-page build thread on the Caddy forum suggests it’s come a long way since the first set of 19” OEMS alloys arrived. Vmaxx coilovers and an axle flip with centrailising plates from Reflex Auto Design followed soon after to tweak the ride height down just enough to combine functionality with style. Touran door mouldings and some solid, carpet covered bulkhead panels followed shortly

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afterwards and things were progressing nicely following days and days of paint correction via Stu’s trusty mop and a few bottles of G3. “Amazingly, and it’s something that people always comment on, apart from the additions I’ve made the paintwork is largely VW, although every panel except the roof has changed in some way since I’ve had it.” Performance wise, it now benefits from an AH Performance remap and a bespoke Golf R style EMP Performance cat back exhaust that exits through a heavily modified Caddy bumper, painstakingly cut, plastic welded and filled to match up with a Touran R-Line

lower diffuser, “I do all of my bodywork in my back garden under a gazebo, so when the weather’s howling and the rain is pissing down it’s far from ideal, but the results are well worth it.” Stu relied upon the same technique up front where a Scirocco R lower half is combined with a Maxton Design front splitter and bonded to the original Caddy upper half to form that uber aggressive pointy end. When combined with the bespoke EM Tuning Morimoto Xenon headlamps, complete with RGB angel eye surrounds, it’s far more VW R than VWCV ever intended. Knocking out 150hp the 1.6 CR TDi lump

isn’t likely to set the world on fire, especially when packed out with all of Stu’s work gear, but the interior is such a nice place to be that quarter miles are the least of his worries. “It’s a completely senseless project. I’d never, ever build a works vehicle like this again. It’s come so far now that it’s almost completely impractical as I scrape to customer’s houses, but I still love it, even when it needs cleaning every couple of days.” The subtle and refined styling also includes updated Touran mirrors, an aluminium rear wiper delete and some Caddy 4 facelift rear lights that required a wiring pin swap and a nifty bit of VCDS coding

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"They used to rub against the sliding door until Reflex modified the brackets for me" to eliminate any dash lights. Basically, if it can be done to a Caddy then Stuart has done it throughout the course of his ownership. The same extravagance of flawless exterior also extends to the interior opulence. Having graduated from a pair of Mk7 GTi pews to some RS4 wingback Recaros, Stu is no stranger to reworking every aspect of his daily runabout. Seemingly his definition of ‘work van’ is very different to ours. It’s safe to say that he’s taken things to extremes inside and really the only part of the van that remains close to standard is the engine, which all the time it remains reliable is likely to stay that way, despite having suffered from the well documented 1.6 TDi injector failure during his tenure. “The interior was actually a lockdown project for me,” Stuart mused, “I swapped in the Touran dash, doorcards, sound deadening and carpets, and trimmed all of the lower dash panels in alcantara as part of my Covid makeover.” GTi pedals also found their way inside while the Scirocco R steering wheel needed coding in to communicate with the CAN BUS setup making it a deceptively luxurious space in which to spend the daily grind as Stuart darts about Herts, Essex, Oxford and the Midlands with his PDR guru skills. While he was at it every conceivable spot of light grey trim was dusted with a 66

Performance VW

more upmarket dark grey hue, basically what we have here is a vehicle where as soon as Stuart thinks he’s finished, he finds something else to upgrade or improve. That’s where the Alpine X800d Sat Nav unit, Hertz 6.5-inch front door components, JL Audio 12-inch sub in dedicated basswedge enclosure and Pioneer GM-D8701 mono amplifier come into play for top choons whenever his lugholes demand. The absolute icing on the cake for this project comes in the form of wheels, air and brakes though, “I justified the brake upgrade to myself by saying the van weighs quite a lot with all my stuff in, and the air ride was a bargain from AH Performance as well because Adam had recently taken it off of his 2k Caddy.” Indeed, with a full Airlift 3P setup Stuart now has the versatility to carry as many sprayguns as he likes, “It also looks mad and prevents scraping the splitter across every speedbump known to man.” See, air ride, it’s all about practicality really isn’t it? Combined with a set of 8.5x20" MB Design KX1 rims; “They used to rub against the sliding door until Reflex modified the brackets and hinges for me,” this is one that has escalated some way beyond, “just a set of rims and a spot of lowering.” The final slightly spurious reason for big

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"They just didn’t ‘feel’ quite as sharp as I thought they should"

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stoppers was, “I didn’t think the 345mm R32 upgrade I had previously was man enough for the purpose – they just didn’t ‘feel’ quite as sharp as I thought they should.” Hence the monster Porsche Cayenne six piston calipers (Brembo 18z) that now bolt up to stock Caddy hubs and wrap around 350mm Mercedes GL450 Brembo drilled and grooved front discs. Combined with some two inch longer HEL braided lines the middle pedal is now razor sharp. Overkill some might say, but if it keeps Stuart happy that he won’t ding that work of art front bumper, so be it. And there you have it, a van that he wasn’t going to modify and was just meant to be a “run around.” Will he keep ploughing his valuable time, money and effort into it? We have no doubt, and as he sails off into the sunset we hear the distant murmur of, “Maybe I could do a 2.0TFSI engine swap next?” Stuart… Stuart, it’s only meant to be your works wagen. We just pray that the carp fisheries have kind approach roads for your own sanity. Check out – My Blackberry Caddy on the Caddy2k forum for the full 93-page lowdown on how the entire build came together ■

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DUB DETAILS ENGINE: 1.6-litre TDi AH Performance remap, EMP Performance cat-back exhaust system, new injectors, Optima yellow top battery, colour-coded cam and engine cover, red anodised bolts throughout engine bay – 150bhp CHASSIS: MB Design KX1 8.5x20" wheels (ET50); 235/30 x 20 tyres, Air Lift 3P air ride struts, separate bags and shocks out bac;, 2x Viair 444c compressors; 4 gallon tank; 3P management ECU with manifold and centre console control panel; 1/4” lines; inline water trap. Brembo 18z six piston calipers mounted with bolts, sleeves and nuts; Mercedes GL450 350mm Brembo drilled and grooved discs; R32 rear brake conversion; HEL braided lines; sump guard; rear trailing arms with poly bushes; watts linkage; axle mounting plates; shortened uprated rear shocks EXTERIOR: VW Blackberry paint (LL4U) Maxton Design lower splitter; Scirocco R lower bumper grafted to OE Caddy upper; EM Tuning custom Morimoto Xenon headlamps with RGB angel / demon eyes; Heko wind deflectors; blacked out grille and badge; Touran mirrors and side mouldings; Maxton side skirts; VW barndoor rear spoiler; Touran R line rear diffuser grafted into Caddy bumper; rear wiper delete; Caddy facelift rear lights; sliding door bracket and hinge spacers INTERIOR: Altro floor in back and full racked fitout for compressor, air tank and tools; Camo headlining; Removable trimmed bulkhead panels to allow for fishing rods; Audi RS4 Recaro wingback seats; Touran dashboard swap; custom alcantara trimming throughout; Anthracite painted plastic trim throughout; Touran door cards; carpets; fully sound deadened with Silent Coat; USB charging point in cigarette lighter; USB charging point and bass controller in Touran centre console; GTI gearknob; Scirocco R steering MFSW; Pioneer amp and compressors beneath driver’s seat SHOUT: The Mrs for putting up with it all, Adam Hodge for the air ride, remap and general Caddy knowledge; Si Sweetland at Still Static for the wheels; Jonny and Matt Leggett at Reflex AutoDesign; EMP Performance for the exhaust; Caddy 2k Forum, anyone who’s has helped with coding, VCDS or sourcing parts along the way

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TUNERS'CARS

THE R RATE Time to welcome a new name – and a new car - to these hallowed pages. American brand HP Tuners is now fully established over here, and about to unleash their craft onto this unsuspecting Golf R fter a crazy old year, it’s good to see that the world is returning to normal. Spring has sprung (it's snowing here – Ed), the odd car show or three has been mooted, and there is a bundle of great new project cars about to kick off. One of which, you see here – and when we heard of this new build about to start over at HP Tuners Europe, we had to find out more. In case you missed it, the respected US brand launched over here a couple of years ago, bringing their unique ECU calibration and tuning tools to Europe along with their clever range of apps to bring them all alive. Starting with the US-based stuff that they’ve done so well for so long was understandable, but we all wanted to see when they’d turn their attention to the Volkswagen Group stable. Well, as you can guess, that day has arrived. Keen to have their own R&D machine to impress clients and dealers, as well as beta-test new upgrades and developments, the UK team, under the experienced eye of boss, Rob McIntyre, went out and treated the engineering division to this little marvel, an ‘as new’ 20 plate Golf R 5 door, complete with all the wonderful things that brings. The 4Motion transmission, that lovely interior and of course, a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine packing 296bhp. For now at least, anyway… And that’s the whole point of this car, of course. As brilliant as the ‘R’ is in standard trim, (and believe us, they really are brilliant) this wouldn’t be PVW if we weren’t joining the HP Tuners team on a voyage of tuning derringdo that would see the wick turned up in several areas. It’s kind of what we both do, after all. Perhaps predictably, the team are going to start with a tune. Using the sophisticated MPVI2 tuning tool and their clever software, we can look forward to seeing just what a standard car can achieve with a little key tapping, a lot of skill and a the kind of access to the ECU that makes all sorts of magic possible. Expect a bit of a flying machine

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early on in proceedings. Then we can expect to see a stellar supporting cast of PVW regulars and big industry names adding their components and skills to the build. These will include Powerflex bushes, BILSTEIN coilovers, upgraded wheels and tyres, better brakes, plus a few under bonnet goodies and of course, a little induction and exhaust fettling. These are all going to get thrown into the mix to make this little Golf R far from showroom spec. After all of that, it would be rude not to turn our attention to the styling. We can also look forward to a few ‘OEM+’ styling upgrades, and seeing as this is meant to be a demo car, it’s doubtless going to get some kind of wrap. All of the HP Tuners American demonstrator cars get a traffic-stopping race-car style livery, so it’s fair to imagine that the UK car is going to go down a similar path. Besides, once you’ve overtaken everyone on track, it’s always polite to explain why, eh? Talking of track-time, because HP Tuners also sponsors BTCC champ Ash Sutton, we can also all look forward to the finished car being shaken down by the affable wheelman to make sure everything’s working together as it should and to his approval. You never know, we might even pick up a few driving tips along the way! The beauty of the HP Tuners tool is that it allows you to revisit the state of your tune as you add new hardware. For example, once upgrades like aftermarket induction and exhausts have been added, it will be interesting to see how much extra boost and fuel can be carefully mapped in to exploit the better breathing, allowing the car to truly evolve as its spec sheet grows. Clever stuff! So, there's lots to look forward to then! Make sure you join us back here next month to see just what kind of power can be safely extracted using only the HP Tuners MPVI2 tool on a standard Golf R. Place your bets, now! Until next time! CONTACT: www.hptuners.com

Golf Rs are well spec'd as standard, but also cry out for more power!

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

We check out what our advertisers have been up to with their latest demonstrator vehicles.

Turbocharged 2.0 and allwheel-drive: the perfect base for sensible tuning…

Next month we see how much power can be gained using HP Tuner's MPVI2 tool

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READERS’RIDES GEORGE BARKER

TOM STEEL

@george_barker1 AGE: 20 LOCATION: Preston, Lancashire MODEL: 2002 Mk4 Golf GT TDI 1.9 PD130 ASZ PURCHASED: 2018 FIRST MOD: Had to be a good old set of Team Heko wind deflectors POWER: The current setup on the car runs at 2.8bar of boost on full load running 317bhp and 612nm of torque. On a diesel only setup (still original engine) FAVOURITE MOD: Other than its power, I’ve got to admit the heated seats are an all time favourite when driving the car. The most favourite has to be the big turbo that surprisingly has a really good flutter for a diesel FUTURE MODS: More power could be an option for the future with a bigger turbo as the current setup is only a GTB2063 VKLR, although the bodywork is next on the list to freshen up the ride

@tomsteel28 @po10_tms AGE: 19 LOCATION: Bognor Regis, West Sussex MODEL: 2016 VW Polo PURCHASED: Bought it in 2019 FIRST MOD: Rota wheels were the first modification but now have Bola b25s FAVOURITE MOD: The front end is probably my favourite part SPENT: I’ve spent about £3k on mods so far still but got a lot more planned FUTURE MODS:Getting a new rear bumper with a single exhaust either side, new rear lights and possibly air ride. I know it’s not a showstopper or a GTI but I’ve worked hard to get it to where it is and love it

CONOR DARKINGS IG: @borair95 AGE: 25 LOCATION: Durham MODEL: 2005 1.9TDI 130 Bora PURCHASED: September 2016 FIRST MOD: The downward spiral started once I bought some coilovers for it then followed it up with a set of genuine 18” Porsche twist wheels SPENT: I don’t even want to add up how much I’ve spent over the years, but at a rough guess it’s north of £14k including the car FUTURE PLANS: My plans for the future are stepping the wheels up from 17s to 18s, matching the front camber to the rear and getting a full respray once the wrap comes off. Unfortunately my garage was burgled in August and the thieves destroyed the wrap dragging bikes up the side of the car and over the roof STORY: I also have cerebral palsy which mainly affects the muscles in my legs and how I walk, so I guess I wanted to show that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you should let that restrict the life you live! Chase your dreams, even if that is spending a shit ton of money on a old mans saloon car lol.

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DUB DETAILS It’s had a Garrett GT1756 hybrid turbo strapped to it, PD150 head bolts, Darkside Developments front mount with solid boost pipes and EGR delete, billet SMF with a Sachs SRE uprated clutch, AEM intake and a full 2.5” turbo back exhaust. Mapped by Dervtech (234bhp). It’s now sat on Air Lift Slam series suspension with a V2 management, hard line boot build done by the amazing guys at Noväks Projecthaus. I’ve replaced the brakes for uprated ones all round and fitted Custom IDF plates on the rear to fix the awful Mk4 axle placement and add some camber. Ive also replaced the wheels with some three-piece OZ Futuras, had both bumper rub strips smoothed, fitted a 4Motion splitter and added some R32 side skirts before wrapping it in 3M Gloss Light Ivory. I also sourced some genuine Xenon headlights and rare Hella Colour Magic clear taillights. Inside it has an R32 interior fully retrimmed in Bentley Newmarket tan leather with door cards, parcel shelf and a rare Mk4 generation gear stick done to match. I’ve had the interior door handles, radio trim and custom boost gauge mount skinned in carbon fibre and fitted a MK7 GTD wheel

Send your high-res pics and details to pvw.ed@kelsey. co.uk and we’ll do our best to get your ride in print!

CHRIS MATTHEWS IG: @chrismatthews.93 AGE: 28 LOCATION: Hull MODEL: 1987 Mk2 Scirocco GT (covered 28k miles) PURCHASED: Back in 2010 FIRST MOD: The car is largely original in terms of paint, I just started slowly improving the standard of it by replacing trim bits with NOS parts from Germany SPENT: I’ve spent around 12-15k on it over the years FUTURE PLANS: I have a couple of small things I’d like to do such as fitting a rear louvre etc, but I have recently acquired two more Sciroccos as the next projects which are taking up most of my time and attention currentlly.

DUB DETAILS It is fitted with adjustable coilovers and BBS RF wheels. The most recent addition is the Polizei inspired graphics just to change it up a bit for show season

LUKE ROCKNAK IG: @gti_16valve_603 AGE: 28 LOCATION: Nashua, NH, USA MODEL: 1988 Mk2 Golf GTI (Gwen) PURCHASED: It was Fall of 2012 when I decided to pull the trigger after stalking it on VWVortex for months. This was the dream VW… a black GTI base car to have fun with FIRST MOD: I think my first actual mod was a set of Raceland Reds! I did a few cosmetic bits as well… FAVOURITE MOD: I’m just going to blanket “engine swap”, as that’s when the fun really started going 16v to VRT SPENT: I lost track when the turbo build came into play, haha! Let’s say…. enough! FUTURE PLANS: Maybe build a nice set of wheels…

DUB DETAILS ENGINE:12v VRT (400hp). shaved bay and resprayed Gunmetal grey. C2 chip with 262 cams, head spacers, GT3582R turbo, intercooler and oil cooler. 1996 VW Passat gearbox with a stage 4 clutch and Peloquin differential, hydraulic clutch, custom short runner and headers to a 2.5” straight exhaust and a Borla muffler CHASSIS:8x15” (front) and 9x15” (rear) JNC wheels wrapped in 195/50 tyres, Raceland Ultimos coilovers and drilled/slotted brakes EXTERIOR: Original paint, swapped US tails for post Golf red/amber lights. Added a Votex double deck spoiler with 3rd brake light as well as a reproduced Votex heckblende INTERIOR: Two race seats with five-point Corbeau harnesses, half cage, wheel display in hatch. Votex centre console and original red stripe dash and door cards. 25th anniversary shift knob and Momo steering wheel

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RCARS

by

#teampvw Elliott Roberts

Mike Kippen

Daniel Bevis

Tony Taylor

James Wallace

Jape Tiitinen

Jamie Orr

Alex Grant

@elliottdukeroberts

@mikekippen

@denialvibes

@teaceeltd

@jimbowallacey

@jap3

@xjamiexoe

@alexgrant_uk

Elliott Roberts – Editor PROJECT: GREY PRIDE 90_Golf Rallye Started: Oct 10, 2007 Comments: Should really get that G-Lader sent off for a rebuild… but what's the hurry, right?

Elliott Roberts – Editor PROJECT: SOCCER MOM 09_Q5 3.0 TDI Started: Apr 10, 2017 Comments: Out with the old and in with the new. Well, the new is here… but so is the old!?

Alex Grant – Contributor PROJECT: NEVER READY 91_Polo GT-G40 Started: Mar 10, 2000 Comments: Don't get too excited, that's a throwback to Alex actually driving it… in 2008!

Mike Kippen – Photographer Project: ROXY 97_Mk3 Golf GLS Cabriolet Started: Aug, 2019 Comments: Turn the page to find out what Mike and Sarah have done first to their new baby…

Tony Taylor – Sub Editor PROJECT: SIX PARTY 06_A6 3.0 V6 TDI Started: March 12, 2016 Comments: We always knew Tony was an OG… surely he didn't need to buy the car to prove it

James Wallace – Contributor PROJECT: GONDA 83_GOLF DRIVER Started: Oct 15, 2003 Comments: That certainly looks very much like the inside of Jimbo's garage. Could it be home?

Jape Tiitinen – Contributor PROJECT: ALL OF THE AVANTS Started: Which one? Comments: Once a wheel whore, always a wheel whore. Seriously, this guy needs help!

Jamie Orr – Contributor PROJECT: SUPER JAMIE Started: Jun 10, 2014 Comments: This month Jamie has been buying and restoring Mk4 Golf R32s… because he can!

Daniel Bevis – Contributor PROJECT: FAMILY VALUES 12_CC 1.8 TSi Feb 25, 2020 Comments: Meanwhile, Dan Bevis can take a long walk off a short plank for all we care…

June 2021

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RCARS

by

ON THE RAG West coast American photographer and friend of the mag, Mike Kippen, introduces his family’s latest VW project… a 1997 Mk3 Cabby VR6. Let the games begin…

Before: Cabby was a great base for a fun, family project. Just add love!

Mike's a sucker for Image split rims having run them on his last Mk3. We can see why, too!

t did not take long after getting my GTI (PVW 1/20) on the road to realise that most of the events and drives would mean leaving my family behind – roll cage and race parts, it was not built for kid's seats or comfort. Like any car enthusiast, spending a lot of time browsing Craigslist, we stumbled upon this 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 for sale nearby at the shockingly low price of $2200! We figured, even if it is clapped out it is a decent price for the parts alone (this was in August 2019). We headed out the next day to check it out – low and behold, it was even better than

I

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we expected. If you could look past the bad tyres, cracked windshield and worn roof top… it was running and driving well, plus made all the right VR6 noises. The swap was very well done with super clean wiring, plus it had a full five-stud conversion, DE brakes, Raceland coilovers, 15” three-piece wheels and a catless 2.25” TT exhaust. Deal made, we drove her home and figured this would be a fun, summer car that we could put the kids in and take along to events. Sarah was so excited to have a fun car to drive on a regular basis and it did not take long for the mods to begin! First, the car needed to be safe, so

immediately we did an oil change, replaced the windshield, wipers and put on a fresh set of Yokohama S-Drive tyres. The car was an instant hit with the kids too, top down with the sound of the VR6 is a nostalgic experience. Likely the main reason for the cost of the car in the first place was the worn roof. It was ripped and torn and in very bad condition. Most Cabrio owners will attest, its not cheap to replace the top and we decided that it was worth the investment and to take the jump for a complete replacement top done professionally for almost $3000. All combined, it does not take long for you to realise you just

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Being a Mk3 guy, it's safe to say Mike has a good stash of suitable parts for the Cabby, including a crank positioning sensor, which failed early on

Those smiles aren't just for the camera. Cabby may be 24 years old, but is a lot of fun…

New screen, tyres and a $3000 replacement hood were first on the list…

spent almost 1.5x more money on parts for the car you just bought, but either way we were now invested and wanted to see this little Mk3 survive. It only took about 3 weeks before we hit our first issue through – the engine shut off when we approached a stop sign and refused to start again. Using a tow strap, we got it back to my parent’s house nearby and diagnosed the issue as a bad crank position sensor. A quick swap of the sensor (had a spare at home) and the car started up and has been completely problem free ever since! Now almost a year and a half

June 2021

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RCARS

by

New-to-Mike Image HTs needed a quick balance up before being fitted to car

Raceland coilovers were swapped out for new H&R items which are great

since we bought it and we have been very impressed by the car; it has been a lot of fun and a very reliable (to date). This car delivers on smiles per hour that are hard to beat. Then Covid happened. With the world in lockdown, working from home became the new norm. I found myself regularly staring at my 2016 Golf R wondering why I just did an oil change on a car that I only drove 2200 miles in the last year, paying monthly for insurance and just letting it depreciate. Do not get me wrong, I loved the Golf R – but we found ourselves driving the Cabrio on a nice day and the Touareg on longer trips (more space for the kids). So, it was put up for sale and as they say, “the rest is history” - the Golf R sold quickly, and we welcomed the Cabrio into the garage as our second driver! Let me affirm to you - it does not take much to motivate buying parts and modifications more than becoming one of the main vehicles and a warm garage to work in. And that is how we catch up to where we are today; Our VR6 Cabrio is going to get some love – the goal is to make it a GREAT driver’s car that is reliable, comfortable, and fun to drive on a regular basis. We do not want (yet another) project 84

Performance VW

car or show car, so this is really going to be an exercise in self-control and ensuring the wife and kids are also happy with the outcome (Good luck with that, Mike – Ed). First things first, wheels and suspension. As purchased, the Cabby came on 15” CSI three-piece wheels and very tired Raceland coilovers. Sadly, the car is just too low (yes there is such a thing), it scraped on absolutely EVERYTHING and the ride quality was horribly rough and bumpy. I got lucky and recently came across a set of 16” three-piece Image Classic HTs wrapped in Yokohama S-Drive tyres – the very same set of wheels that a few Mk3 friends in the area have used before. Combined with a set of brand-new H&R coilovers, we find ourselves another $2500 into this project, but with a difference in ride quality which cannot be overstated. Combined with a good tyre balance and an alignment, the car is now drivable and handles so much better that it's now actually enjoyable on a twisty road. I must admit, I thought that I would be missing the Golf R more than I am, but for now the Cabrio is getting some love and thankfully its giving smiles back in return. Until next time…

Quick wheel alignment is vital when fitting new wheels and shocks

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f you’re building a car to a certain theme, then if we had any advice it’s to choose a theme and stick to it! Well, Martin Peryagh certain did just that when building his air-cooled inspired ‘Wickerdackel’ Typ 19 Mk2 back in 2009. What a build! While the Mk2 world had gone mad for 1.8T 20v conversions at the time, thankfully there were still people like Martin who gained his secondgeneration kicks from a totally different angle. However, while unusual, putting an air-cooled spin on a Mk2 Golf wasn’t totally original. Long term readers may well remember Martin (yes, another one) Neuhauser’s ‘Wicker Man’ Mk2 from PVW 8/02, which also had something of an air-cooled theme. We’d spotted the car at 2002’s Worthersee event and managed to bag a bunch of photos so we could show the rest of you. Despite the goldplated Oettinger 16v motor under the hood (I

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YEAR: 2009 ISSUE: NOVEMBER OWNER: MARTIN PERYAGH WORDS: NEIL HUNT PHOTOS: JAMES LIPMAN 86

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kid you not) and the wicker seats, the wicker car was built with a bit of tongue in cheek. There was nothing ironic or flippant about Martin Peryagh’s creation. Having spoken to Martin a number of times before we saw the car we couldn’t believe how serious he was about getting the ‘theme’ spot on. Where do we start? Well, externally chrome was order of the day with a seven-slatted grille, small bumpers, Porsche 944 door handles, window surround and wipers all featuring the shiny stuff. It was parts like the Porsche 356B ‘nipple’ hub caps, Karmann Ghia rear number plate light and beach buggy light buckets that really set the car off. We just loved the Skoda Cinnamon brown paint coating the 1986 three-door, non-sunroof shell… even if it was left-hand drive! The smoothed engine bay was pretty spare, but what detail the 1.3-litre 8v motor did have was special. We just loved the hub cap air filter cover, gold plated oil cap and custom copper hot rod style brake lines. Inside is where the air-cooled attention to detail went off the scale. A full retrim in mushroom vinyl and tweed on the seats, headlining, rear seat backs, boot side panels and tailgate and door card panels. It was the small parts, like the one-off billet winder

“We loved the Skoda Cinnamon brown paint coating the 1986 three-door, nonsunroof shell…”

handles, EMPI lock pulls and chrome door release handles, that we loved, plus the wicker door pockets, under-dash tray and rear parcel shelf that really screamed old-skool! Obviously the Flat 4 banjo steering wheel looked like it had come straight out of a Beetle, then there was the Type 2 switches and pre-66 ivory knobs. The car was literally awash with small, but awesome details, which made this such a classic and memorable feature. Where did it end up? Well, read on to find out…

WHERE IS IT NOW? +ThePOINTS whole theme was simply spot on

-If POINTS anything, we feel the Karmann Ghia rear plate light didn’t quite flow

We got wind that PVW regular and water-cooled scene veteran (we can call you that, right, Mark? - Ed) Mark Ikeda had owned the car at some stage, so we reached out to him to find out the car’s whereabouts. Apparently, Mark had bought the car off another VW scene regular, Danny Allen. “I drove the car for a while, but the bodywork had not aged well and the whole car developed small micro dots all over the shell,” he said. In the end, as the car featured so many good NOS parts, he ended up using them on his own project or sold them on to others. “The roof rails, rubber seals, Porsche handles, clear glass and US small bumpers we all used on my cars.” Mark claimed it was cheaper to buy this car complete for the parts than buying each part individually. “Sadly, I was unable to sell the shell due to its condition, the colour and it being left-hand drive, so it got scrapped. I did feel bad, as so much work went into the smooth bay.” At least it didn’t die in vain though, hey?

These views are ours and ours only, it’s all for a bit of fun, etc

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REWIND 1 YEAR AGO JUNE/JULY 2020 Wow, it’s a year already since our Stance Special dropped and what an edition it was. With Clay McFarren’s bagged Mk4 up front, the quality stanced rides continued inside with Kenny Stas’ Mk2 Golf 8v turbo and Yamada Takeshi’s killer Jetta Coupe leading the way. We also brought you a pair of tastefully modded TCRs and John Mitchell’s amazing 600bhp Corrado. We also chose our ten best static and bagged feature cars, plus looked at the latest wheels for 2020.

5 YEARS AGO JUNE 2016 So, what were you up to five years ago? At PVW HQ, Kayla Landregan’s stunning Mk3 Jetta took our cover, what a car! Inside we checked out Daniel Keppelhoff’s ’Rocco, took a look at Evan Uhler’s spot-on Mk1 Cabby, put together the second part of our motorsport special, hung out with a pair of UK Mk1s and met Jess Thom, aka Touretteshero, and her cool bespoke T4 van.

10 YEARS AGO JUNE 2011 Chris Jones’ incredibly complete Caddy took the cover ten years ago, closely followed by Danny Delic’s stunning Oetinger 16v-equipped Rabbit and Eric Dion’s lovely Mk1 ’Rocco. Inside the mag, we checked out Kenwood’s Scirocco, Christian Steiberger’s RS4 and took a good look around Nick Kahwaji’s VRT-powered Mk2 Jetta Coupe. Finally, Ultimate Dubs and a tour around Remus HQ wrapped us up.

15 YEARS AGO JUNE 2006 Fifteen years ago we got all excited about Bert Vergote’s Euro-look Mk4 Polo, very excited indeed. Sam McMohan showed off his lovely Mk2 1.8T in our studio, we checked out a pair of UK Mk4s in London and Furkan Arshad took us for a spin in his ’Rado G60. Dan Woolf’s Mk3 and Ryan Carter’s Arosa finished the issue off nicely.

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We may not have always been so finely polished, but we’ve always been at the forefront of the modded dub scene. ah the good ol’ days…

20 YEARS AGO JUNE 2001 Way back in 2001 (yes, 20 years ago) we kicked things off with Impact’s cool (at the time, okay?) Mk3 VR6 van and then a pair of UK Mk3s, James Silvertsone’s Mk2 16vT and, sticking with Mk2s, Tim Klaßen’s amazing Mk2 VR. We also featured a Mk4 Polo belonging to one Marcus Bird. It was on 18s, don’t you know, but where how did you open the doors?

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CONTRIBUTOR AT LARGE

DANIEL BEVIS AGE: 38 m LOCATION: Epso g Journalist eelance Motorin Fr : OCCUPATION 0 Vauxhall Nova 1. FIRST CAR: 1985 CC 1.8 en ag sw lk Vo : 2012 CURRENT CAR(S) ! – Ed) er Civic Type R (Los ort TSI, 2010 Honda Sp 8i D: E36 BMW 32 WORST CAR OWNE ) ys, always broken (which was alwa pe R Honda Integra Ty DREAM CAR: DC2

ting erformance VW: Is wri just or , job e tim fullr you something you do for fun on and a bit of extra cash e? the sid Dan Bevis: I’ve been years now. I did it writing full-time for a few e of my day job (as for many years on the sid an advertising at r che ear res an editor and but they made t), net agency called Leo Bur rs so I decided yea lve twe r afte ant me redund e. And you tim fulllism rna to pursue the jou ch better. mu ch, mu It’s t? wha w kno you get into PVW: When and how did you study, or Did writing in the first place?

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blag it?  d English DB: Bit of a blag! I studie but there was no ity, ers univ at re ratu Lite t. I used to run a journalistic element to tha Blow (which I ang zeB car blog, SuckSquee ), and off the ago rs yea few a ng doi stopped n in Retro um col ular reg a back of that I got l, I’ve just hel ody Blo Cars magazine in 2011. … ago ade dec a was t realised tha would you give PVW: What tips or advice ut a similar career abo king thin dy ebo to som path? ting nailed, and DB: Get the basics of wri develop your can you t tha e don when you’ve s work, phe stro apo own style. Learn how clichés like the id Avo e. sak ss’ dne for goo one tell you that you plague. And don’t let any ‘and’. can’t start a sentence with where and when ber em rem you PVW: Can lished? pub cle you had your first arti March 2011 , ine gaz ma s Car ro Ret DB: column rst fi my had I n – that was whe ture came a few fea full rst fi My ed. lish pub e mag. (My first time months later in the sam , however, was with ine appearing in a magaz FHM mag in 2004. in i, 2.8 ri Cap d dde my mo Long story…) t first break, plot us PVW: After you got tha there to where from h pat eer car r through you you are now? the column DB: After I started writing ore I was bef g lon n’t was it in Retro Cars, Jackson for full Si r dito n-e the ng teri pes y obliged, and also features to write. He dul editors who started er oth hooked me up with Andy Basoo at ing lud inc rk, wo me giving at Performance our Lat de fy Banzai and Buf there – I write from BMW. It’s all spread out

M O D E E R F H C E E P S OF of magazine concluded that about 70% et – and who toil the on s pen hap g readin these days, including the bog? gs ma into few top a lap te ir qui the a for wants to take and GT Car W BM has changed d, ne For sce ssic car Fast Car, Cla PVW: The modified ng photography for you think it will do at Wh rs. yea the Porsche, as well as doi r a bit ove tions – and I owe ctric? Car & Classic’s online auc be like once we all go ele break big my me ing giv r electric cars. for fea to d nee ’t don a lot of this to Si We : DB ept it. There acc to n. lve the evo k bac to blur. The scene will t hlights of jec hig pro the of had e ’ve piston cars som you for e are at PVW: Wh PVW: We presum will undoubtedly be a way ine like PVW? by, much as ch one stands out the hob a whi as n… vive ow r sur you to of e contributing to a magaz s car to continu for mags like tes wri when cars who ear one app any dis lly DB: Ask most? horses didn’t tota e The sam ds. the y loa n adl bee bro ances in e you adv hav be this and they’ll tell DB: Oh yeah, there were invented; there will ly the Peugeot ut modified cars re already bab abo we’ te pro And wri was on. we ial so ry: ers sto and trov in ls orig most con synthetic fue ro It’s a handy Ret s! ing out for car t com ed jec difi EVs pro a mo ed as difi love lt because we 205 GTI that I bui seeing a lot of cool mo cool cars and go to be exciting to n you could pick up to whe ng k goi bac it’s was ps, s Thi sho excuse to hang around s. Car of custom ling it work. Specific a grand, but people a lot of shows while cal an MOT’d 1.9 for under watch that grow. eR Typ ic ut Civ abo us new cio the pre in h bit k separates or is highlights? 170mp were starting to get a PVW: What do you thin a was it d ago nte rs pai yea I . of way ple ht’ cou world to other car ‘rig a VW hn the ed in oba m difi aut the mo the on modifying different in the mpagne at tmags, slo Cha ce free lfra Wo with r ffed ove it stu d giggle; being two-tone, slamme scenes? hill in a Morgan at all sorts. Some much passion Salon Privé; going up the wrapped it in satin blue, DB: Oh, there’s just so the ing But driv it. ed; ed hat Spe of ple l peo tiva tribalism in of Fes of lot od lot a a it, dwo nd d the Goo people love isn’t there? You fi Hannu Mikkola won fans, for example, building the same car as d in For – fun the nes actual Mk1 Escort that sce re’s ng whe ddi mo rally in. It’s a bit of a ut the brand and the 1970 London-Mexico everybody else? are incredibly die-hard abo t tha lar ticu . par gig in this driving anything car er es, sid one laugh sometim PVW: Is there generally wouldn’t con re must be some r the years that husiasts and ove ent ll ut xha abo Vau tten PVW: We appreciate the wri with e ’ve you else; sam . What are they? too , seems to go t? job just r res it you the VW to ve s with abo ack drawb stands out Honda guys. But s, tty ture pre fea be g can ma y 00 urit ne are so 2,0 sec sce rly of the DB: The lack DB: I’ve written nea a bit deeper – people in there have d in an office, I knew s. It’s not just – rke car ose wo se I cho the en to in Wh d d g. har ste y ifyin inve ver terr so it’s emotionally of my each month one ning But ear s. be car I’d ible ney red mo le. how much been a lot of inc a hobby, it’s a lifesty sion and healthcare. first ever shoot the VW scene and I had perks like pen olute favourites was the abs PVW: How do you see to e hav I by , lt yed bui plo ort -em Esc 1 self rs? Mk and yea e eet few -str lanc t pro free nex Being I went on: a changing in the n in rk to make sure I Nightmares Racing dow tain themes that will of cer s me are re Hol be constantly chasing wo rk The : Ma DB hout the pandemic in 2012. That thing now, for instance, can pay the bills. Throug Southend-on-Sea back always be cyclical. Right as a few of d-legal. gh, roa tou y was it larl ticu ieve e back in a big way. bel par ’t n com this has bee was insane, I can the nineties style has the ing s dur n ma dow Tho ly sed bab clo Pro more extreme or the mags I wrote for Favourite PVW feature? So will the next wave be SP2 of the others VW ber er’s num a erg enb readers decide… and the Mild wn, let rtin kdo ’ll first loc Mayr and Ma more subtle? We and I’ve got a , so car l – s coo get a h bud Suc ted 7. to see is how the tric have really res from Wörthersee 201 What I’m really interested ting paid a lot less get . I’m c cars and gives was ctri and it t ele rk, wha wo ces w bra less kne em lot no-one VW scene ry ust ind ing lish definitely be pub t’ll the tha – for it. PVW: How has them their own style you into cars in n. I imagine the rked in it, and where wo soo ’ve ing you pen e hap sinc PVW: What was it that got d and , nge ing cha happen re? paying a lot futu ple the in peo ng be ce? goi pla will it t the first do you see antithesis to tha so -ore answer I ade sam dec t the is memorating bes e the com her n ity, wer DB: My ans DB: This hasn’t bee more attention to original k to the glory in time. Of of feature car owners bac nts k me 90% Loo ly mo it? bab and has pro cs , reli ing from as lish s get for pub classic VW n the He always whe lt. scene 0s fau the ’s ly-’0 of dad t ear par my and all s ant it’s ort -’90 I interview: days of the late course the most imp kid a ds was I n pretty dre of hun whe s so ing or car r l sell e r a yea had cool and unusua likes of Max Power wer will be the shows – afte ng to Romeo 33 Gold – it’s very goi nth Alfa all mo the re a e we’ ies lud , inc ing cop of hts pen hlig – hig of thousands much nothing hap Saab 900 Turbo, Mk5 gets are way, way n the vaccines kick in. Cloverleaf, Citroën CX, different these days. Bud go crazy for shows whe ll xha Vau 1 who Mk , ers XM say nay the all , said t Tha r. Ford Cortina V6, Citroën smalle Can’t wait. media s he built a replica n’t been a journalist, internet would kill print Cavalier 2000 GLS, plu PVW: Finally, if you had Capri. reckoned the e -litr day 3.0 all a nd on spe ed we bas h you had done Aston Martin kit car have been proven wrong: what do you think or wis ter to hold 4 Citroën DS, plus bet 197 ch a mu got it’s s, he’s een ys scr ada Now looking at instead? s. So yeah, blame have a physical of being a novelist. one of my old Audi TT 225 a mag in your hands, to DB: I’ve always dreamt e som ning run ber em els, really just for rem y nov uel of vag ple I s cou a Plu him. thing. I’ve written s which husiastic when day ent p sing kee erti to d adv har my it in Is PVW: research back your job, too? How your hobby is also partly it all? do you switch off from feel the need to ’t don I ly, est DB: Hon breathed cars for and d switch off. I’ve live intrinsic part of the an y’re the , life ire ent my by is the job and hob The . me day-to-day for py for that line hap the job is the hobby, I’m

Note: Though amusing at times, these views aren't necessarily shared by the editor or the magazine! June 2021

91

SPECIALIST AMD TUNING Unit 6, Cliffside Trade Park, Motherwell Way, West Thurrock, Essex, RM20 3LE Tel: 01708 861827 Web: www.amdessex.com VAG tuner, performance parts, styling, fitting, servicing, rolling road, software specialist

BRANDZ 1522 Pershore Road, Birmingham, B30 2NW Tel: 0845 180 1245 Email: [email protected] Web: www.brandz.co Graphic wraps, colour changes

APR MOTORSPORT Awesome GTI, Unit 1 Siemens Road, Manchester, M44 5AH Tel: 0333 240 6823 Web: www.goapr.co.uk VW Group OE supplier and motorsport company that develops and distributes VAG and Porsche ECU upgrades for petrol and diesel engines. Turbo, exhaust, intercooler, brake and fuel pump upgrades through its UK European HQ

CAR AUDIO SECURITY Bilton Way, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3NF Tel: 020 8561 9485 Email: [email protected] Web: caraudiosecurity.com Car audio supplier, distributor of Rotiform and Air Lift Performance products

AUTOGLYM Letchworth, Herts Tel: 0845 130 4536 Web: www.autoglym.com Car cleaning products, car care products, car valeting, car detailing AUTOLOGIC Autologic House, London Road, Wheatley, Oxon, OX33 1JH Tel: 0845 338 1992 Email: [email protected] Web: www.diagnos.co.uk Independent vehicle diagnostics AUTOPART WHEEL AND TYRE Prestige House, Sopwith Crescent, Wickford, Essex, SS11 8YU Tel: 01268 560126 Email: [email protected] Web: www.autopartuk.com Supplier of trade alloy wheels AUTOTECH SPORT TUNING 29 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA Tel: +1 (949) 362 8700 Email: [email protected] Web: www.autotech.com VW performance and OEM parts AWESOME Unit 1, Siemens Road, North Bank Business Park, Irlam, Manchester, M44 5AH Tel: 0161 776 0777 Web: www.awesomegti.com VAG servicing, ECU upgrades performance parts styling, diagnostics, rolling road BAHN BRENNER MOTORSPORT 17239 Tye ST SE, Ste D, Monroe, WA 98272, USA Tel: +1 (541) 388 1202 Web: www.bahnbrenner.com VW/Audi parts and specialist in forced induction BLACK FOREST IND 1000 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511 USA Email: [email protected] Web: www.blackforestindustries.com Established in 2001 and producing bespoke aftermarket VW/Audi products BM TOWN Liverpool  Tel: 0151 548 8565 Email: [email protected] web: www.bm-town.com  Audi parts and accessories specialist

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CHESHIRE AUTOBODY Unit A, Longdridge Trading Estate, Mobberley Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8PR Tel: 01565 652817 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cheshireautobody.co.uk Accident repairs, bodystyling and modification, custom paint CTS TURBO 19720 91A Ave, Langley, British Columbia Email: [email protected] Web: www.ctsturbo.com Industry leading performances parts manufacturer CUSTOM-CODE Whitting Valley Road Old Whittington, Chesterfield Derbyshire, S41 9EY Tel: 01246 455 004 Web: www.custom-code.co.uk Chip tuning/remapping specialist DC CUSTOMS Unit 12B Central Park Ind Est, Halesowen Road, Netherton Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 9NW Tel: 01384 636459 Web: www.dccustoms.co.uk Custom and standard paint and body work, custom fabrication, mechanics and restoration DEMON TWEEKS 75 Ash Road, South Wrexham Industrial Estate, Wrexham, North Wales, LL13 9UG Tel: 01978 664555 Web: www.demon-tweeks.com Performance and tuning equipment DPM PERFORMANCE Oakwell Court, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE17 7BD Tel: 01207 561606 Web: www.dpmperformance.co.uk Email: [email protected] VAG specialist DUBZ-BY-DAN Gould Farm, Duckend Green, Rayne, Essex, CM77 6DF Tel: 07939 305341 Web: www.dubz-by-dan.co.uk Specialist in bodywork, custom fabrication, general mechanics and Mk4 chassis chops EIBACH SPRINGS 25 Swannington Road, Broughton Astley, Leicester, LE9 6TU Tel: 01455 285852 Email: [email protected] Web: www.eibach.co.uk Wheel alignment, wheel spacers, suspension systems, performance springs and stabiliser bars

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ELITE DIRECT 136/138 New Road, Rainham, Essex, RM13 8DE Tel: 01780 525577 Web: www.elitedirect.com Tyres, wheels, suspension, exhausts, brakes

MEGUIAR’S 3 Lamport Court, Heartlands, Daventry, Northants, NN11 8UF Tel: 0870 241 6696 Web: www.meguiars.co.uk Automotive surface care products

EURO CAR PARTS Fulton Road, Wembley Ind Est, Wembley Middlesex, HA9 0TF Tel: 0208 956 5049 Web: www.eurocarparts.com Tyres, wheels, suspension, exhausts, brakes

MILLTEK SPORT Units 1-3, Belfield Industrial Estate, Ilkeston, Derbyshire Tel: 0845 200 8150 Email: [email protected] Web: www.millteksport.com Performance exhausts

EUROTEK Unit 1-187, Parchmore Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey, CR7 8HD Tel: 0208 771 9878 Email: [email protected] Web: www.eurotek-online.com Exclusive UK importer for Stroeve Motorsport and DSP FORGE MOTORSPORT 1A, Ashville Trading Estate, Bristol, Gloucester, GL2 5EU Tel: 01452 380999 Web: www.forgemotorsport.com Alloy parts and tuning accessories GSF CAR PARTS Units 21-27, The Fort Industrial Park, Dunlop Way, Birmingham, B35 7AR Tel: 0121 626 7981 Web: www.gsfcarparts.com Mail order parts and styling INTEGRATED ENGINEERING Salt Lake City, UT, 84115, USA Tel: +1 (801) 484 2021 Web: www.intengineering.com Connecting rod and engine component specialist JBS AUTO DESIGN Whitting Valley Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9EY Tel: 01246 455005 Web: www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk Big turbo specialist, VAG servicing and diagnostics, online shop for performance parts, Custom Code HQ JETEX EXHAUSTS Unit 25, The Waterways, Stratford-UponAvon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AW Tel: 01789 298989 Web: www.jetex.co.uk Exhaust systems KW AUTOMOTIVE Tel: 0870 990 7536 Email: [email protected] Web: www.kwautomotive.co.uk Suspension supplier LK PERFORMANCE Spenbeck Business Park Cleckheaton, BD19 4EW Tel: 01274 936040 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lkperformance.co.uk Wheels, tyres, tuning, suspension accessories, hardware and more V-MAXX AUTOSPORT Unit 11, Twigden Barns, Brixworth Road, Creaton, Northampton, NN6 8NN Tel: 0845 060 3020 Web: www.v-maxx.co.uk Sports suspension

MJ INTERIORS Unit 2, Brewery Works, Powell Road, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 1BD Tel: 01274 533370 Web: www.mjinteriors.co.uk Custom leather interior retrimming MOUNTUNE52 Prospect House, Prospect Way, Hutton, Essex. CM13 1XA Tel: 01277 226666 Web: www.mountune52.com VW/Audi performance hardware and software MT RE-FINISHING BODYSHOP Unit 4, 755 Thornton Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD13 3NW Tel: 01274 834222 or 07989 354730 Specialist in custom paint, cars and vans, accident and repair NEUSPEED 3300 Corte Malpaso, Camarillo, CA 93012 Email: [email protected] Web: www.neuspeed.com Providing the best, highest quality performance parts since 1975 NEWTON COMMERCIAL Eastland’s Industrial Estate, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL Tel: 01728 832880 Web: www.newtoncomm.co.uk Original Mk1 & Mk2 Golf interiors. Mail order NOTHING LEAVES STOCK 5780 Main Street, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA Tel: +1 (610) 282 5487 Web: www.nothingleavesstock.com NS TUNING Suite 7, Gable House, 239 Regents Park Road, Finchley, London, N3 3LF Email: [email protected] Web: www.nstuning.com Supercharging and performance tuning ONLY CHARGED DUBS Unit 2B Railway Court, Sandal Stones Road, Kirk Sandall Ind. Est, Doncaster, DN3 1QR Tel: 01302 885310 Email: [email protected] G60/G40 specialist, VAG specialist, air-ride/ boot installs, engine conversions ORCHID EURO Pottstown, PA 19464, USA Tel: +1 (484) 483 4636 Email: [email protected] Web: www.orchideuro.com USA-based import/exporter of European and US-spec VAG parts

SPECIALIST PIPERCROSS Web: www.pipercross.net Tel: 01604 707750 UK manufacturer of high performance air filters and air intakes PSI TUNING Unit 5, Winpenny Road Parkhouse Ind. Est. East, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 7RH Email: [email protected] Web: www.psituning.com Engine tuning, bespoke engine conversions, custom fabricated parts, ECU upgrades REVO TECHNIK 37 Lanchester Way, Royal Oak Ind. Estate, Daventry, Northants, NN11 8PH Tel: 01327 301901 (UK) Tel: +1 (770) 271 4726 (USA) Web: www.revotechnik.com Performance software specialist, automotive software tuning, performance & service centre REGAL AUTOSPORT 72-82 Belgrave Road, Southampton, SO17 3AN Tel: 02380 558636 Email: [email protected] Web: www.regal-auto.co.uk Performance tuning, servicing and MoT centre RENOWN San Francisco, USA Email: [email protected] Web: www.renownusa.com Producers of high-quality bespoke steering wheels, shift knobs, boots and other interior parts RESTOR-A-BLAST LTD Unit 6 Hyde farm, Hyde lane, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP3 8SA Tel: 0783 0072635 Dustless blasting system for removal of paint, rust, under seal etc RICCI CONCEPT Unit 11, South Orbital Trading Estate, Hull, HU9 1NJ Tel: 01482 322446 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ricci-concept.com VAG performance mods and engine building, remapping and servicing RIMSTYLE Units 16-17, Connect 10, Foster Road Ashford, Kent, TN24 0FE Tel: 01474 814469 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rimstyle.com Automotive styling and tuning SD AUTOTECH Unit 51c, Hobbs Industrial Estate, Newchapel, Surrey, RH7 6HN Tel: 01342 837083 Web: www.sdautotech.co.uk Fabrication, engine tuning, conversions and mapping, parts restoration, polishing, plating and coating services available

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STEVENS VOLKSWAGEN DISMANTLERS Drakes Lane Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3BE Tel: 01245 362020 Email: [email protected] Web: www.vws.me.uk VW spare parts and vehicle breaking, specialist vehicles bought and sold STUDIO INCAR Sheardley Lane, Drotford, Hamps, SO32 3QY Tel: 01489 877987 Web: www.studioincar.com ICE specialist and full car signature builds SWG MOTORSPORT Old Engine House, Dolcoath Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 8RR Tel: 01209 613033 Web: www.swgmotorsport.com Exclusive automotive styling SWT Britannia Way, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 6QH Tel: 0870 428 5050 Web: www.wheelsworldwide.co.uk Alloy wheel specialist THE ENGINE SHOP Unit 2A, Darenth Works, Ray Lamb Way, Erith, Kent, DA8 2LA Tel: 01322 350022 Email: [email protected] Web: www.theengineshop.info THE PAINTBOX Rayne Croft Farm, Colchester Road, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1RP Web: www.thepaintbox.co.uk Tel: 01376 563859 Email: [email protected] 25 years of custom paint and bodywork. Straight paint and insurance work THE PHIRM Unit 2, White Hart Industrial Estate, London Road, Blackwater, Surrey, GU17 9AD Tel: 08454 505760 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thephirm.co.uk Engine tuning,conversions, servicing

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TUNINGWERKES 40 Haling Road, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 6HS Tel: 020 8681 0208 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tuningwerkes.com Cult society and DSP importer TUXAUTO Unit B3, Spen Beck Business Park, Cleckheaton, BD19 4EW Tel: 01274 864457 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tuxauto.com Wheels, Armytrix packages, interior and exterior styling products UROTUNING 9836 Currie Davis Dr, Tampa, FL 33619 Tel: (813) 444-7021 Email: [email protected] Web: www.urotuning.com Performance and OEM parts for VW/Audi/ BMW/MINI/Porsche VENOM MOTORSPORT Unit 1, Clarendon Garage, Church Street, Ribchester, Lancs, PR3 3YE Tel: 01254 820005 Fax: 01254 820006 Web: www.venommotorsport.com VAGNOSTICS LTD Unit 4A, Roxby Road Ind. Estate, Winterton, North Lincolnshire, DN15 9SU Tel: 01724 854769 Email: [email protected] Web: www.vagnostics.vo.uk Servicing/repairs, retrofitting (cruise control, multi-function etc), VW T5 tailgate conversions, Pendle Performance agent VARA TECHNIK Spelthorne Lane, Ashford, Middlesex, TW15 1UX Tel: 01784 557010 or 07985 423810 Web: www.varatechnik.com VAG restoration, modification, servicing, repairs and engineering VOLKS BITS 800 Pershore Road, Selly Park, Birmingham, B29 7NG Tel: 0121 472 4285 Hotline: 0870 5143 397 VW styling products

VW 2000 1 Mill Close, Peakirk, Peterborough, PE6 7PA Tel: 01733 253362 VW breakers, old and new models WHEEL POWER Unit 2, Magdalene Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 4AF Tel: 01803 293139 Web: www.wheel-power.co.uk Alloy wheels bought, sold and exchanged, Eurostyles wheel specialist YOUNGS GARAGE Unit 1, Gasoline Alley, London Road, Wrotham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7RR Tel: 01732 887000 Web: www.youngsgarage.biz VW, Audi, SEAT and Skoda service and repairs XTREME TUNING Nieuweweg 11, 2685 AP Poeldijk, Holland Tel: +31 (0) 174 246482 Email: [email protected] VAG tuning, conversions, servicing

INSURANCE ADMIRAL Tel: 0800 052 4448 Web: www.admiral.com ADRIAN FLUX Tel: 0800 505 3000 Web: www.adrianflux.co.uk/pvw BARRY GRANGER 5 Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells Tel: 0800 781 9559 Web: www.barrygranger.co.uk BRENTACRE Tel: 01792 650933 Web: www.brentacre.co.uk DIRECT LINE Tel: 0845 246 9045 Web: www.directline.com ELEPHANT Web: www.elephant.co.uk

TH PERFORMANCE Pendle Performance main agent, 17 Bridge Industries, Broadcut Wallington, Hampshire, PO16 8SX Tel: 02392287127 or 07765918384 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thperformance.co.uk Remapping specialist, servicing, MoTs, TDi conversions, diagnostics, dealer for Forge Motorsports, Wolfrace Wheels, PPTuning and Milltek exhaust systems. Discounts for forum/club members. The south coast’s leading T4, T5 and Caddy tuning specialist

VOLKSMINE Unit 1, Crusader Works, Elder Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2HD Tel: 01782 833585 Email: [email protected] Web: www.volksmine.co.uk Quality new and used VW parts

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HERITAGE PARTS CENTRE 47 Dolphin Road, Shoreham-By-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6PB Tel: 01273 444000 Email: [email protected] Mk1, Mk2, Scirocco, T4 and everything aircooled parts specialist

INSURANCE FACTORY Markerstudy House, 108-112 Main Road, Sundridge, Kent, TN14 6ES Tel: 0800 440 2024 Web: www.insurancefactory.co.uk/car

TOYO TIRES Toyo House, Shipton Way, Rushden, Northants, NN10 6GL Tel: 01933 411144 Web: www.toyo.co.uk World-beating tyres - world-leading brand

VWS 111c Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 8JA Tel: 020 8735 9996 Web: www.vw-s.co.uk VW/Audi specialist, parts, servicing

HERTS INSURANCE 2 The Causeway, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2EJ Tel: 08448 884888 Web: www.hertsinsurance.com

NEED VW QUOTE Tel: 0844 557 3054 Web: www.needvwquote.co.uk SKY INSURANCE 56 Southberry Rd, Enfield, Middlesex Tel: 03303 331250 Web: www.skyinsurance.co.uk

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VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

VOLKSWAGEN POLO 9,300 miles, £6,995. Mayan Blue Volkswagen

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2020, £36,995. Finished In Dolphin Grey Metallic With Soul Black/Tornado Red Jacara Cloth. Fantastic Spec Inc: Panoramic Sunroof, 19” Adelaide Black Diamond Turned Alloys, Dynamic Chassis Control, Red Calipers, and more Please call 01484480777, Yorkshire and the Humber.

£8,495, 2013. Beautiful Night Blue Metallic 2013 Sharan with contrasting Titan Black Bridge Interior. Complete with all paperwork present.

Please call 028 796 33011, Ireland.

£21,495, 38,000 MILES. Beautiful Pure White Tiguan R-Line 150bhp DSG with contrasting two tone interior. Comes with all paperwork and spare key present. Please call 028 796 33011,

Ireland.

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2020, £35,995. Beautiful Pure Grey GTi Clubsport 300 DSG with contrasting Alcantara Interior. Delivery Miles and Available for Immediate Delivery. Please call

028 796 33011, Ireland.

VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO 2015, £14,995. Indium Grey Scirocco R-Line DSG with Full Black Leather Interior. Covered 62k from new with good service history. Please call 028 796 33011, Ireland.

2015, £21,995. Beautiful Reef Blue Metallic 2015 Touareg with matching Titan Cricket Black Leather Interior. Covered only 38k from new complete with all paperwork present. Please call 028 796 33011, Ireland.

VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2016, POA. Beautiful Harvard Blue Passat estate with contrasting Alcantara and vienna leather interior.Please call 028 796 33011, Ireland.

TO ADVERTISE VISIT:

2014, 55450 miles, £13,495. R Line DSG finished in deep black pearlescent with Black Vienna Leather interior. Fantastic spec including panoramic tilting sunroof, Dynamic Chassis Control, and more. Please call 01484543728, Yorkshire and the Humber. 105496

VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN 2007, 130000 miles, £3850. United Grey VW Touran Sport 170BHP with Full service history and MOT to May 2021. Please call 028 796 33011, Ireland.

WWW.MOTORFREEADS.CO.UK

NEXT MONTH

JULY 2021 ISSUE ON SALE: MAY 28 *Please note July 2021 cover may alter slightly before going to print!

020 8561 9485 [email protected] Bilton Way, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3NF

WEST LONDON FITTING SERVICE

PERFORMANCE CAR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES thetuningstore.co.uk @thetuningstore

KW coilo vers “Only a KW coilover kit offers maximum lowering and perfect performance – in four damping variants and always in stainless steel”

SIDNEY HOFFMANN Managing Director Sidney Industries GmbH

BECAUSE WE ARE ONLY SATISFIED WITH

THE BEST!

FOR EVERY DEMAND THE PERFECT SUSPENSION. KW automotive UK Ltd Phone: 01634 255506 eMail: [email protected]

PARTNER OF

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Performance VW - June 2021

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