There’s one thing a couple of wedge-shaped automobile that resonates ‘cool.’

Conceptualised within the ’60s (search for the Lancia Stratos Zero and luxuriate in), reaching the general public within the ’70s however thriving within the ’80s, angular sports activities automobiles are synonymous with high-waisted denim, massive hair and even greater attitudes. Get some George Michael within the cassette deck and take a chill capsule, you’re driving a Mk2 Volkswagen Scirocco.

Brad Pajak’s 1984 Scirocco GL is a major instance of the wedge form having trickled its approach down from the supercar elite to the on a regular basis sports activities automobile, and it’s actually his pleasure and pleasure.

“I’ve owned it for eight years and it’s been in bits for nearly six years,” says Brad. “I wasn’t really in search of a Scirocco on the time, I used to be in search of a Mk2 Golf GTI. This got here up on the market and since it had no physique equipment I fell in love. The automobile was fully customary once I purchased it.”

Brad’s Scirocco is much from customary now, though he’s not pursued any ’80s fads in his selection of modifications. Opting as a substitute for a monochromatic color palette, the Scirocco blends selection interval components with a completely trendy strategy to {custom} automobile constructing.

Beginning with the paint, Brad’s VW has acquired a respray in metallic gray each inside and outside. That is complemented by 17-inch BBS RS wheels, which stand out from the remainder of the BBS wheels within the UK present circuit for a really area of interest purpose.

To the untrained eye, that is ‘simply one other’ set of polished, solid aluminium alloy BBS RSs. This they’re, however I believed there was one thing… completely different in regards to the color of the metallic. They appeared darker than aluminium, however seeing because the face and lips matched in end they couldn’t be chrome steel.

No, the wheel nerd inside me was thrilled when Brad confirmed my suspicions: This can be a set of fully chrome-plated BBS RSs, one thing I’d by no means seen earlier than. The UK tends to keep away from chrome-plating wheel components, choosing polished aluminium as a substitute. This can be a nightmare to keep up, whereas chrome plating is far more sturdy and ensures a uniform color throughout the wheel components.

The ‘shallow’ centre hexes swimsuit a slim lip higher, making this a really effectively thought out set of wheels. I used to be so excited to completely perceive these BBSs. I need assistance, I do know.

Brad has prevented becoming a physique equipment to the Scirocco as so many house owners do, because it was the slim, slim look which he fell in love with initially. The Scirocco achieves the stance it does because of {custom} air suspension with Solely Charged Dubs double-bellow airbags on bespoke shock absorbers.

The suspension is managed by Air Elevate Efficiency V2 administration, however extra vital work was required for the automobile to take a seat as little as doable when aired out while nonetheless retaining driving manners on the transfer. The tie-rods needed to be inverted and fine-tuned as a way to dial out bump-steer, alongside prolonged and flipped ball joints. Whereas the entrance suspension was aside for the job, Brad got down to refurbish each arm, subframe and underbody element.

Each single nut and bolt on the automobile has been changed, each bushing upgraded with polyurethane, and the rear brakes transformed from drums to a G60 disc and calliper improve to match the fronts.

A single-wiper conversion, rear wiper removing, and smoothing of the aerial full the minimalistic look on the Scirocco’s exterior, however Brad’s quest for a clear, fuss-free look doesn’t cease exterior the automobile.

The easy, tonal theme continues contained in the automobile, the place the OEM gray plastics are complemented by a pair of Ford RS Turbo Recaro seats trimmed in silver/gray Alcantara. Not desirous to disrupt the shoulder line of the Scirocco when taking a look at it facet on, Brad had the seats’ headrests eliminated and the holes trimmed shut.

Sure, you learn that accurately. Brad thought the headrests had been too ugly when trying on the automobile from the surface, in order that they discovered their approach into the bin as a substitute. The rear bench, A-, B- and C-pillars and the headlining are all trimmed in Alcantara to match.

In between the seats you’ll discover a ‘set off’ handbrake from a basic Mini Cooper to tie in with the CAE short-throw tower shifter, full with a wood shift knob to match the wood Maserati Biturbo steering wheel.

Inside you’ll additionally discover a mixture of a long time, from the unique, pristine dials to the Blaupunkt Bremen head unit and Air Elevate Efficiency V2 controller on the dashboard.

The boot hasn’t escaped the Alcantara therapy, on this case black, but in addition hiding the relocated battery and tank for the air suspension.

Shifting again to the entrance of the automobile, you will have seen a definite lack of bonnet on the Scirocco within the earlier business-end shot. That’s as a result of the Scirocco’s engine bay is much too lovely to maintain hidden, and is a contender for essentially the most aesthetically pleasing function of a automobile I’ve seen all yr.

A 1.8-litre 16-valve ‘KR’ engine resides within the shaved, smoothed and tucked engine bay, fuelled by a pair of Dellorto 40mm carburettors and distributing energy via a VW 02A gearbox. Cooling comes by way of a custom-built Recent Reflections radiator with built-in growth tank.

Not settling for half-measures, Brad had the engine rebuilt with 1.0mm outsized pistons and a ported/polished cylinder head. The carburettors have additionally undergone a strip and rebuild, in addition to the gearbox which is now encasing a billet flywheel and high-performance clutch.

Because the bay has been painted with the identical impartial, metallic end because the bodywork, the engine and ancillaries themselves stand out as decorative.

Once more, as with the outside of the automobile, the monochrome color palette retains issues minimal, with simply the odd brass accent or trace of purple from the polyurethane engine mounts or wiring.

In what could possibly be a contender for the Speedhunters’ Most Pretentious Paragraph Award 2023, the textural variations on the KR engine are merely a delight. The gloss black rocker cowl is damaged up by the machined, polished ribbing, and there’s a slight distinction in color and end between the gray forged carbs and the silver ceramic-coated tubular 4-to-1 exhaust manifold.

If ever there have been a blur between automotive perform and kind, Brad’s powertrain could also be it. Not solely does it energy the automobile, nevertheless it’s the centrepiece of its aesthetic too. In actual fact, contemplating Brad has constructed this as a present automobile, I’d be inclined to argue that this engine specifically is extra necessary as a show piece than it’s as an influence unit.

“It’s been an extended six years. I’m very specific and all the things needed to be excellent, which is why the construct took so lengthy,” says Brad. Although after successful an award on debut, and I consider at each present the Scirocco has attended since, I’d argue it was completely definitely worth the effort.

Brad’s Mk2 Volkswagen Scirocco is a major instance of hindsight being 20:20. Choosing and selecting the most effective features of the previous and mixing them with a completely trendy strategy to modifying; stripping away the fats to go away a modern, refined remaining outcome.

Some might imagine that it’s simpler than ever to slap collectively a ‘present automobile’ lately. Builds like Brad’s function a reminder that slightly little bit of thought, and numerous endurance, go a really great distance.

Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn