This Volkswagen Golf II is an example of a car where the engineering approach is more important than the spectacular appearance. This is a rare all-wheel drive Syncro version, which has come a long way from an almost stock hatchback of the late 80s to a deeply modified turbocharged project. The car was not created as a show car or a track-day car - it is a deliberately compromise car that combines daily suitability, mechanical honesty and a bright character.
Today, the second generation Golf is often perceived as an outdated "bucket of bolts", but at the time of its release it was one of the most variable cars on the market. The range included engines from 1.0 to 2.0 liters, diesel versions, carburetor and injector, electronic instrument panels, sports seats, different body types and all-wheel drive. This particular example was originally ordered in a rare configuration: a three-door body, sunroof, 1.8-liter carburetor engine and a Syncro system with a viscous coupling that transmits traction to the rear axle when the front wheels slip.
Over the decades, the car has changed country, owners, engine, color and survived several accidents. By the time the deep modification began, it was no longer a collectible exhibit, but a living and repeatedly modified Golf. The first stages of work were as down-to-earth as possible: body restoration, search for lost interior elements, repair of components and assemblies. The car was used every day for a long time, which dictated a practical approach and rejection of radical solutions.
Gradually, the project became more complex. The car received a bright blue Monte Carlo color, more efficient brakes and a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated ABF engine from the Golf III. The all-wheel drive was brought back to life, and then the Golf moved to the status of a weekend car. This became the starting point for serious tuning: the right suspension lowering, oblique ball joint, powerful Wilwood brakes and, finally, turbocharging. The engine was assembled from components of different VAG engines, with custom intake and exhaust, turbine and "January" control unit.
After a major modification, the project entered its final phase. The body was disassembled to bare metal, sandblasted, re-welded and repainted. In parallel, a much more complex task was implemented - the integration of 4motion all-wheel drive from more modern models of the concern. The gearbox from the Audi TT, a modified rear gearbox, a shortened and balanced driveshaft and completely custom drive shafts were used. Many parts had to be made from scratch, since there are simply no serial solutions for this configuration.
Externally, the car remained restrained, but an attentive look will notice the GTI body kit, a rare "front" from the Golf Rallye, an individual diffuser and Compomotive wheels that fit perfectly into the arches and braking system. The engine compartment, bottom and arches are painted white - a reference to rally technology. The interior has retained a rare brown color scheme, but has been completely restored, including sound insulation. The main highlight inside is the Digifiz digital instrument panel, a cult element of the 80s.
On the move, this Golf doesn't try to be modern. It is noisier, tougher and more demanding on the driver than any new hot hatches. But that is precisely its value. Handling, the sensation of speed, the sound of the turbo engine and all-wheel drive create emotions that comfortable "sofas on wheels" have long been deprived of. Today, this project can be considered complete, although such cars are never final. This is not just tuning - it is a living engineering work, assembled around one of the most underrated generations of the Volkswagen Golf.