It’s been some time since I even have used the phrase, but I am keen on a ‘second-glance automobile.’
What do I mean by that? For me, the phrase describes a automobile that doesn’t shout about what makes it special. A second-glance automobile draws you in after which reveals its details when you spend time it.
Joe Stanford’s Ocean Blue 1983 Volkswagen Golf C did exactly this at Ultimate Dubs 2024.
From across the hall, it caught my attention with nothing greater than its 3-piece-converted Pirelli ‘P-Slot’ wheels.
On the front of the automobile, these up-scaled heritage wheels hide a brilliant red set of Porsche 4-piston Brembo brake callipers, a needed upgrade given what now resides within the Golf’s engine bay.
A 3.2-litre VR6 engine from a Mk5 Golf R32 replaces the comparative paperweight that after powered the Mk1. Joe has turbocharged it for good measure and turned it right into a murals in its own right.
“It’s been a headache throughout as the entire chosen parts needed to be modified to suit, or parts have needed to be constituted of scratch,” Joe says. “Making room for the turbo whilst still having a tidy solution for the radiator, intercooler, and three fans was a challenge.”
I’d say the challenge was price it, because the little automobile now advantages from a good looking engine bay. Some unique touches really made this motor stand out at Ultimate Dubs, like the teardrop-shaped intake resulting in the turbo.
The engine intake runs down a channel on the underside of the bonnet, “using the top of the grille for fresh air without intruding on the automobile’s exterior,” Joe explains.
Joe’s period-correct ethos runs deep within the Golf, especially considering the actual party piece of the construct. “We knew traction could be a difficulty, and with all the additional weight on the front, we decided to convert the Mk1 to 4WD using a rear axle from a Syncro Mk2 Golf. To maintain the ground pan as original as possible, the steering rack had to maneuver to make room for the prop shaft running down the unique tunnel, from the gearbox running a mixed gear set – half TDI.”
With only minor changes to the ground pan, Joe needed to shorten the Syncro subframe and driveshafts to make up the 33mm difference in widths whilst fabricating brackets to work with the Mk1’s chassis.
The will to maintain the Golf looking original didn’t stop there. Joe also created a fuel tank with a false bottom to take a seat as near the unique as possible. The factory fuel tank needed to be moved up into the boot to permit room for the Syncro conversion.
And yet, the little touches which have gone into the Mk1 impress me essentially the most. Kevlar front wings and bonnet go towards improving the load distribution, while electric power steering, heated seats, a heated windscreen, and a period-looking head unit with Bluetooth make this little rocket an enjoyable automobile to drive all 12 months round in beautifully grey England.
There are even a few proper top-shelf VW enthusiast modifications, corresponding to chrome Porsche door handles and an oil catch can integrates into the strut brace (touches that long pre-date me), plus more modern ideas, corresponding to the Rolls-Royce-style umbrella hidden in the motive force’s side rear quarter panel. Within the spirit of OEM+ inspiration, an honourable mention goes to Škoda for his or her door umbrellas, too.
“I purchased the Golf about 15 years ago now on the pretence to make my ultimate automobile,” Joe says. “In any case this time…here it’s!”
Pastel paint, a beautifully easy interior, an atomic bomb under the bonnet, and just the best creature comforts to bring the 1983 Golf firmly into 2024. This can be a second-glance automobile done oh-so right.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn
mariochristou.world
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This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
