"The overall look we were going for was to make the body look as retro as possible, almost like a Mk1, and totally OEM." So they started by deleting the swage line in the rear quarter panel to mimic the Mk1 Rabbit. The rear seams were also smoothed and welded. Furthermore, they deleted the rear wiper and front banana lights, then added the sweet Porsche 944 Turbo handles, which Phantom admitted were a pain in the ass to find.
Once the body and bay were done, it was time for color. Phantom specified a combination of House of Kolor paints and mixed it themselves to create a unique shade of graphite. "We didn't want it to stand out too much; keep it simple but have people know it was custom," Anthony said.
Chassis upgrades followed, and as you'd suspect, almost everything is new. This included fresh A-arms with Audi TT bushings, set of B&G coilovers plus sway bars and polished front upper, lower and rear stress bars from Autotech. And if you ever take a look under the car, you'll see the underbody was coated in rust prevention material and Rhino Liner.
The brakes were upgraded to VR6 spec with Brembo rotors, while the wheels were sourced from a German exporter. The refurbished 16x8" BBS RS had an Audi bolt pattern, but once the Falken tires were mounted, H&R adapters made them fit.
 Perfectly executed Mk3 dash...  Perfectly executed Mk3 dash with suede lower panels |  Color-matched Auto Power roll-bar...  Color-matched Auto Power roll-bar sits over part of the subtle Pioneer stereo |  |
The interior is the least retro part of the makeover, with an assortment of Sparco parts such as the race seats, steering wheel and pedals. There's also the Mk3 dash with tilt column to update the cockpit. The upholstery is inviting as well, with grey suede and black leather all around.
Behind the seats, an Auto Power four-point roll-bar was color-matched and a stereo system recessed into the false floor. It started with approximately 100sqft of Dynomat being laid down to improve the overall vibration and reduce sound quality. Then the rear panels were molded in fiberglass and covered in black leather. Finally, Pioneer equipment was installed, including the shallow 12" ib-Flat sub in the spare tire well.
From top to bottom, this amazing Mk2 VR6 is 99% complete, although Anthony and Chris admit to a few odds and ends that need finishing. The car is a work of art and a great beginning for Phantom Autowerke thanks to this trio of friends.
Tech Spec
1991 VW GTI
Owner: Phantom Autowerke
Location: Westchester County, NY
Occupation: European car specialist
Engine: 3.0 liter VR6 with JE 10.5:1 pistons, Crowers rods, new crank bearing, blueprinted and balanced bottom end, Schrick 268° cams and modified intake manifold, heavy-duty valve springs, titanium valve retainers, ported and polished head, big valves, big-bore throttle body, Genie headers, Techtonics 2.25" exhaust with Magnaflow tip, custom MSD ignition coils, Russell braided fuel lines with welded AN-fittings, PWR radiator, deleted coolant bottle, EGR, air conditioner and air pump, relocated ECU and alternator, GIAC software, Samco hoses, smoothed engine bay, complete wire tuck
Drivetrain: Five-speed manual with Centerforce clutch and pressure plate, Autotech lightweight flywheel, Quaife limited-slip differential
Brakes: VR6 front and rear conversion with 11" front and 8.9" rear Brembo cross-drilled rotors, VR6 calipers
Suspension: B&G coilovers, Autotech front and rear sway bars, lower and upper front and rear stress bars
Wheels & Tires: 16x8" BBS RS three-piece wheels, H&R hub adapters, 205/40-16 Falken Ziex 512 tires
Exterior: G60 flares, JOM crystal headlights, FK Automotive single-round headlamp grille, turn signals and tail lights, OE Porsche 944 Turbo door handles, shaved antenna, banana lights and rear swage line, custom House of Kolors paint
Interior: Sparco Chronos seats, Naxos steering wheel, pedals, shift boot and shift knob, Schroth harnesses, Mk3 dash, grey suede and black leather with white stitching on lower dash and door panels, molded rear fiberglass panels, Auto Power roll-bar, billet window cranks, false rear floor