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.

The Ballerman Golf Mk1 nicknamed Flori

A car so clean it belongs in a museum, this is the VW Golf mk1 built by Jörg Ballerman. I’ve seen this car countless times over the years, but I understand why car shows are eager to show this car at their event. This time I spotted it at the recent Risenation event. It’s a stunning machine where everything, and I mean everything, has been replaced, improved, or chromed. The foundation is a Golf Mk1 that rolled out of the VW factory in 1987 in Mexico Beige with a 1-liter engine.

Jörg acquired the car in 2002 with 95,000 kilometers on the clock, and that’s when the work began. It’s clear that things got out of hand. Every bolt and nut has been chromed, along with a plethora of other parts. We’re talking about brake calipers, exhaust, fastening clamps, and the list goes on.