So sadly Adam and his orange Mk2 G60 won’t be able to make it to the show this weekend – long story! So we had a spare space to fill. But who and what should fill it? After a bit more deliberation we offered it to Luke “Dubsy” and his OEM looking Mk1 Gti. After last years all Mk2 line up, it looks like it’s going to be a pair of Mk1’s taking pride of place on our stand this weekend.

About the car? Well after selling his Mk2 around March last year, the sensible car thing was looming close, but instead of falling for the obvious and buying the proposed Mk4 Diesel, he treated himself to a Mk1 Gti, a car he’d always wanted.. why wouldn’t you! From first glance the car is factory fresh but has in fact been treated to some tweeks to build upon the Mk1’s already legendary ability. The 1800cc engine has been breathed upon, a Kent cam having taken up residence in the ported and polished head, and a  jetex mild steel system taking care of the exhaust. A full gearbox rebuild, including new bushes and short shift linkage make stirring porridge a thing of the past.  Ride height has been addressed with some coilovers, new stoppers provided by Black Diamond and any worn bushes swapped over for their Powerflex counterparts. Inside an original interior is a perfect match for what still looks a fairly standard example. We can’t wait to see it in the flesh. [slideshow]

If you would like to read some more about Luke’s car have a look on his Edition 38 Build thread here.