For 15 years, Volkswagen followers in South Africa have been attending the annual SA Camp Fest in large numbers. There’s an excellent purpose why too, as yr after yr the occasion brings out the easiest builds in South Africa’s VAG modifying neighborhood.

Camp Fest not solely entertains – it evokes. In the event you wanted proof of the latter, Kylan Naidoo‘s Mk1 1979 Volkswagen Golf L is it.

Kylan has owned his Golf since 2014, and up till he attended the 2022 SA Camp Fest, it had solely been on the receiving finish of some primary bolt-on modifications. The present go to modified every part, and Kylan left the occasion with a transparent thought to return in 12 months along with his automotive trying a complete lot completely different.

To deliver the imaginative and prescient to life inside the one yr timeframe, Kylan referred to as upon Stanton Govender of Toti SouthSide Automotive Styling in Durban. The pair labored collectively, discussing and deciding on all points of what can be an intensive, full construct, after which placing a plan in place to see it via to completion.

You would name Stanton the mission supervisor, as he oversaw the construct from begin to end, doing what he might in home, and outsourcing the specialist work to a number of the finest within the enterprise regionally.

The Mk1 Golf is a well-liked automotive on this a part of the world, and a giant purpose for that’s as a result of it solely went out of manufacturing right here in 2009. Sure, you learn proper. Whereas the Mk1 was formally discontinued in 1983, Volkswagen South Africa stored the mannequin’s lights on for one more 25 years. 

However whereas meaning entire automobiles and substitute components are very straightforward to come back by in South Africa, the bits and items that Kylan and Stanton wanted to make this Mk1 actually stand out, required them to look abroad for plenty of particular parts.

Beginning with the outside, the Golf now advantages from a Euro-spec entrance valance, uncommon pop-out facet home windows entrance and rear, model new rubbers and chrome trims, Porsche 944 ‘Script’ door handles and a Hella polished gas cap – all of which had been obtained internationally.

The bodywork itself stays inventory, South Africa ’79 spec, however the panels had been meticulously massaged and ready earlier than a number of coats of Volkswagen Dunkelgelb (LN1E) paint had been expertly laid down in and out.

In step with the basic and timeless nature of the construct, solely BBS RS mesh wheels had been ever going to chop it, however these too wanted to be sourced from abroad. Sized 16×7-inch, the 3-piece wheels are wrapped in 165/45R16 Kenda rubber. Tucked in behind on the entrance finish are Wilwood 4-pot callipers with drilled and slotted G60 discs.

The Golf wanted to be low too, and that’s taken care of with an air-ride system primarily based on Airlux struts.

Now, if Kylan’s Mk1 was powered by its unique four-cylinder engine these 165-section tyres would just do effective on the entrance finish, however that motor is lengthy gone. Now as a substitute sits a 3.2L VR6 EA390 from a Golf R32, backed up by a V5 5-speed handbook transmission. Yeah, these tyres don’t stand a lot of an opportunity.

In inventory type these motors output 240hp, however with a number of choose modifications – a RacingLine consumption, {custom} 63mm stainless exhaust system, and a Dicktator 60-2 engine administration system – Kylan’s VR6 might be making a little bit extra. Regardless of the quantity, know that it’s loads of energy for this light-weight Golf and a complete lot of enjoyable to lean on. As you’d anticipate, it sounds superb too.

Maybe much more spectacular than the engine itself is the bay it sits in and the detailing round it. No time expense was spared right here, and it reveals with flawless paint and polished {hardware} all through. There’s barely a wire to be seen both. Kylan was eager to level out the {custom} radiator, Audi R8 oil cap, and the Mk4 R32 engine cowl – one other particular import.

That simply leaves the inside the place, once more, no element was spared. A highly-polished stainless-steel roll bar frames the cabin, with electrical Recaro LS entrance seats custom-trimmed in Nappa leather-based and Alcantara, and a uncommon BBS steering wheel (once more, imported) two of the standout options.

We will’t neglect the {custom} headliner and carpet, Coolerworx shifter, Porsche glove field catch, model new door pads, spherical clock sprint with rev counter and twin-gauge console both. Varied plastic trim components had been even 3D printed.

To construct a automotive to this commonplace is one factor, however it to do it to a deadline is one thing else. So credit score the place it’s as a consequence of Stanton and all the opposite folks and companies concerned within the Mk1’s recreation, as a result of they obtained it throughout the road in time for SA Camp Fest 2023, the place Kylan proudly confirmed it off for the primary time.

One other Mk1 Golf (which we beforehand featured) scooped the occasion’s major prize, however that solely pushed Kylan to construct upon a few points of his automotive (after our shoot) for this yr’s present.

A brand new set of reverse-mount BBS wheels and a {custom} Rockford Fosgate-based sound system did it – final weekend, Kylan drove ‘ESCOBAR’ dwelling with the coveted ‘Better of Present’ accolade from SA Camp Fest 2024.

Not that we’re shocked within the slightest; it is a stunning automotive each approach you have a look at it.

Brad Lord
Instagram: speedhunters_brad

Images by Stefan Kotzé
Instagram: stefankotzemedia
www.stefankotze.com