Revworks Retrospective: Ode to Petrol Fumes

Starting a new car event isn’t exactly like assembling IKEA furniture. It’s not for the faint-hearted, the indecisive, or anyone who thinks a torque wrench is a cocktail. But thank the petrol gods, there are still brave souls out there who dare to stir the pot in an already overcrowded Dutch automotive landscape. Enter Retrospective by Revworks, a celebration of cars that have been around for at least 25 years and still have more character than most modern hatchbacks.

The masterminds behind this glorious chaos? My friends from Revworks. For years, they’ve been laying the groundwork, brick by oily brick, and this event is their pièce de résistance.

Last year’s debut was a roaring success. But pulling off the same trick twice? That’s like asking a Ferrari F40 to behave in traffic. And yet, somehow, they did it. Again. With a storm looming on the horizon, literally, enthusiasts still flocked to Brielle, braving the elements to bask in the glory of chrome, carburetors, and cars that actually have a soul.

JDM Wheels on a Golf MK4 R32? Yes Please!

At Risenation Hall of Fame, my first event of the season, one thing stood out. Not some over-the-top wrap or an exhaust loud enough to trigger seismic activity, but something more subtle—and possibly more controversial. European cars rocking wheels usually reserved for Japanese legends. The biggest head-turner? This Volkswagen Golf R32, built by Alex Fuller. If I had to put together a top five from the event, this would be in it. No question.

The base car is a Mk4 Golf R32, an icon in its own right, but Alex has taken it to another level. The body has been resprayed in its original OEM Deep Blue Pearl, a color that still looks as timeless as ever. Visually, everything else appears to be standard R32—until you get to the wheels. And this is where things get interesting.

Gallery: VW Team Brabant Event 2024

Time to reflect on the VW Team Brabant event, which saw a record number of cars and an unbeatable, friendly atmosphere. What I loved most was seeing the blend of generations coming together. The old guard with cars they’ve owned for decades, constantly finding new ways to tweak and improve them. Then there are the newcomers, soaking in all the beauty around them, and in between, you’ve got a group rolling up with fresh, new projects. A prime example of the latter is Ricardo Kruijf’s Golf Mk1, which we’ve already featured in a spotlight.

We also had some special guests from across the channel, with a group from England making an appearance. You can immediately tell that the bar is set high over there. A standout example? The guys from Grounded Original. I’ve had these cars in front of my camera before, and yet, they still manage to command an unreal level of attention.

Berg Cup inspired 1000hp VW Golf MK1

If there was one thing made crystal clear at the VW Team Brabant event, it’s that the passion for all things VW is still alive and kicking. Stunning builds continue to roll out, and one that really stole the show was this Berg Cup-inspired VW Mk1 by Ricardo Kruijf. Positioned right next to the main stage, this Mk1 had a crowd around it all day long, making it tricky to grab a clear photo. And for good reason!

The first thing that draws you in is the deep Carbon Steel Grey paint, practically magnetic in its appeal. But it’s when you peer under the bonnet that you realize this isn’t just another Mk1 Golf. The original engine? Gone. In its place sits a CBUA 07K NA engine—a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder powerhouse originally designed for the American market, very similar to our European Audi RS3’s engine.

The list of modifications to the motor is extensive, to say the least. To highlight a few, the engine now runs with an RS3 crankshaft, DP connecting rods, pistons, and billet bearings. This is all linked to a 4-speed dogbox transmission.

As you look closer, the engine bay is full of custom-machined billet parts, from the intake manifold and valve cover to the engine mounts and oil filter housing. But the real centerpiece is that enormous Garrett G42-1200 turbocharger. Once the car hits the dyno, it’s expected to push around 1,000 horsepower.

The Distinctive Charm Of The VW Golf Mk3

The Golf Mk3 is a staple at every VAG meeting, known for its affordability and endless customization possibilities. Thomas Visch’s Mk3 stands out as a classic example of how it should be done. Thomas and I go way back, over 12 years, to when I first spotted his Golf Mk3 at the Midwinter Meeting of Team VW Speed in 2012 that I featured on Speedhunters. His love for the Mk3 was evident even then. At Royal Fitment, I saw his latest project and knew it was time for a closer look.

Imported from Germany, this Mk3 started as a VR6 Highline with a purple leather interior. However, Thomas can’t leave anything standard for long. One of the first changes was a new set of wheels. The Porsche Eta Beta wheels, a familiar sight on a Golf, measure 8×17” and are wrapped in 185/35/17 Nankang tires. For braking, a set from a Golf Mk4 R32 with 340mm discs was installed at the front, while the rear brakes remain original from the VR6.

What I admire most about this project is the choice of coilovers. The car rides at the height you see here, thanks to an H&R Deep coilover set, which allows the car to sit lower than standard options on the market.

A Timeless Classic: Frits Mevissen’s Golf Mk1

Encountering Frits Mevissen’s Golf Mk1 is like running into an old friend who’s had a visit to the plastic surgeon. This car has been around for quite a few years, a common theme in the VAG scene, especially among owners of older models. They tend to keep their cars for years, continually making new modifications. During Royal Fitment I got to see the car again and it didn’t dissapoint.

I first saw this Mk1 at a VW Fanatics event in 2011, when I was still working full-time for Speedhunters and made a report on the event. But the car’s history with Speedhunters goes back even further, with a feature done in 2009.

Back then, the car sported chrome accents everywhere, from the trim to the fully chromed engine. The current version, however, has undergone a complete makeover, with all the chrome now gone. Just like fashion trends, the owner’s tastes have evolved over the years.

The Timeless Appeal of the Golf Mk2

The Golf Mk2 has always held a special place in my heart. When I first got my driver’s license, the Golf Mk2 GTI was my teenage love, a memory that dates back many years. A lot has changed since then, but the timeless design of the Mk2 remains an undeniable fact.

Even after 30 years, the Mk2 is still a coveted gem among VAG enthusiasts. At Royal Fitment, several were on display, but one Mk2 stood head and shoulders above the rest. Andrew Carter, the proud owner of this standout Mk2, made the journey from England with a few friends to attend the event.

The first thing that catches your eye is its striking red color, but it’s the details that truly impress. The hood was open for a reason: beneath it lies a 2.0 16v engine. Specifically, it’s a 6A engine from an older Audi 80, a popular swap choice due to its affordability and impressive torque and power. This one features ITBs, which no doubt make it a delight to hear at high revs.

Gallery: Royal Fitment Netherlands 2024

Royal Fitment has become a staple in the automotive scene in the eastern Netherlands. Traditionally held at Hotel Dinkeloord in Beuningen, this invitation-only event faced a last-minute venue change this year. Fortunately, a new location was swiftly secured just five minutes away at Hotel Ros van Twente in De Lutte.

Despite the change in venue, the event maintained its signature relaxed atmosphere and high-quality selection of cars. Originally a VAG-only event, Royal Fitment now attracts a broader range of impressive vehicles, including some stunning BMWs that caught my eye.

Check out the gallery via the link below to see the highlights.

I’ll have some spotlights later this week on some of the cars, click the link below so see the rest of the cars that were present at Royal Fitment Netherlands.