The dark 'n moody theme continues inside, where the stock beige interior has been swapped out for black, from carpet to headliner. The dashboard was removed and replaced with an early European Vento dash. The standard seats were replaced with a pair of leather-covered Koenig K5000 racing seats, and the rear bench was trimmed to match.
Everything inside is leather...
Everything inside is leather of suede
Suede covers the A-, B- and C-pillars, plus portions of the dash. A four-point FK roll-bar was installed for safety, and is naturally finished in black. An assortment of Isotta, Abt and Momo interior parts complete the look.
When it came to choosing the interior color, it was a no-brainer. "I didn't want it to pop out," he said. "I mean, the interior is done, but I didn't want it to distract from the exterior. I didn't want somebody to walk past at a car show and say 'look at all the stuff it's got going on.' I wanted to keep it clean and classy, so everything is leather and suede inside."
With such a smooth and refined look, you'd expect a swathe of in-car electronics, but they're limited to a Pioneer head unit with 7" flip screen, a PS2 and Infiniti Kappa components. There was more, but a thief made off with the rest.
Despite this loss, the end result has put a smile on Kris' face. For his first car, this Mk3 has been transformed into a genuine showstopper. And he's not done yet: the interior and engine bay are being redone. Why not? Kris has no plans to get rid of his first car anytime soon: "I'm going to hang onto this one as long as I possibly can."
Tech Spec1996 VW GolfOwner: Kris BonaguraLocation: West Orange, NJOccupation: Service Advisor
Engine: 2.8 12v VR6 with ported intake and exhaust manifolds, K&N drop-in, cat-less exhaust, polished valve cover
Drivetrain: five-speed manual conversion
Brakes: 280mm G60 front brakes, stock rear
Suspension: B+G RS Line coilovers, polised FK front and rear stress bars
Wheels & Tires: 17x8" front, 17x8 rear JLine SDMSL2 wheels with flat-lips, color-matched centers, chrome bolts and 10mm FK rear spacers, 205/40-17 Dunlop SP Sport tires
Exterior: European front bumper with shaved indicators and lower ducts, Euro radiator support, rebar, front fenders with square side markers plus JOM vent on passenger side, bser Jetta hood with shaved washer nozzles, badgeless four-bar Vento grille, Abt Sportsline front lip and side skirts, shaved door handle recesses, Euro rear bumper with smoothed and shaved tow hook, Bonrath rear diffuser, shaved Bora-style Euro hatch, JOM rear window spoiler, pulled fenders, shaved Fuba antenna, painted House of Kolor Ice Violet Metallic Black Pearl
Interior: Koenig K5000 front seats, leather GTI rear bench, early Vento color-matched dashboard, suede A/B/C-pillars and knee boards, black leatherette headliner, Isotta R-Evo steering wheel and shifter surround, Momo hub adapter, Abt Sportsline shift knob, chrome Cabrio door pulls, FK four-point roll-bar
Audio/Visual: Pioneer 7" TV head unit, PlayStation 2, Infiniti Kappa speakers
Thanks: Leah Andreottola, Mike at B&G, Chris Palumbo, Steve at Tunershop, Billy at Northfield Collision