There’s one thing a couple of wedge-shaped automobile that resonates ‘cool.’
Conceptualised within the ’60s (lookup the Lancia Stratos Zero and revel in), reaching the general public within the ’70s however thriving within the ’80s, angular sports activities automobiles are synonymous with high-waisted denim, huge 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 first-rate 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 delight 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 on the lookout for a Scirocco on the time, I used to be on the lookout for a Mk2 Golf GTI. This got here up on the market and since it had no physique package I fell in love. The automobile was utterly customary after I purchased it.”
Brad’s Scirocco is much from customary now, though he’s not pursued any ’80s fads in his alternative of modifications. Opting as a substitute for a monochromatic color palette, the Scirocco blends alternative interval elements with a totally fashionable method 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, cast aluminium alloy BBS RSs. This they’re, however I assumed there was one thing… completely different in regards to the color of the steel. They appeared darker than aluminium, however seeing because the face and lips matched in end they couldn’t be stainless-steel.
No, the wheel nerd inside me was thrilled when Brad confirmed my suspicions: It is a set of completely chrome-plated BBS RSs, one thing I’d by no means seen earlier than. The UK tends to keep away from chrome-plating wheel elements, choosing polished aluminium as a substitute. It is a nightmare to keep up, whereas chrome plating is way more sturdy and ensures a uniform color throughout the wheel elements.
The ‘shallow’ centre hexes swimsuit a slender 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 averted becoming a physique package to the Scirocco as so many homeowners do, because it was the slim, slender 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 attainable when aired out while nonetheless retaining driving manners on the transfer. The tie-rods needed to be inverted and fine-tuned with a purpose 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 part.
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 elimination, 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 outdoors 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 appropriately. Brad thought the headrests had been too ugly when trying on the automobile from the surface, so 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 traditional Mini Cooper to tie in with the CAE short-throw tower shifter, full with a picket shift knob to match the picket 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 remedy, on this case black, but in addition hiding the relocated battery and tank for the air suspension.
Transferring again to the entrance of the automobile, you might have observed 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 stunning to maintain hidden, and is a contender for probably the most aesthetically pleasing characteristic of a automobile I’ve seen all 12 months.
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 by means of a VW 02A gearbox. Cooling comes through 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 pink from the polyurethane engine mounts or wiring.
In what might 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 solid 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, however it’s the centrepiece of its aesthetic too. In truth, contemplating Brad has constructed this as a present automobile, I’d be inclined to argue that this engine specifically is extra essential as a show piece than it’s as an influence unit.
“It’s been a protracted six years. I’m very explicit and all the pieces needed to be good, which is why the construct took so lengthy,” says Brad. Although after profitable an award on debut, and I consider at each present the Scirocco has attended since, I’d argue it was completely well worth the effort.
Brad’s Mk2 Volkswagen Scirocco is a first-rate instance of hindsight being 20:20. Selecting and selecting the perfect elements of the previous and mixing them with a totally fashionable method to modifying; stripping away the fats to go away a modern, refined remaining consequence.
Some might imagine that it’s simpler than ever to slap collectively a ‘present automobile’ lately. Builds like Brad’s function a reminder that just a little little bit of thought, and lots of persistence, go a really great distance.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn