Description
Volkswagen golf gti 16v 1990 schwartz blue (l52m)
this is a genuine mk2 16v that has been lovingly restored to its former glory plus some choice improvements, and finished in the rare schwartz blue (l52m).
my aim was to add some factory available options or parts to help improve and sustain an already great car while making sure that the car retained its original 16v looks, charm and character.
additional footage of the work conducted on the car can be found on instagram: @restodesigns, where there are also links to youtube footage of the work done. Alternatively, search youtube for resto designs.
bodywork and chassis:___________________________________________
genuine big bumper mk2 16v model in the rare schwartz blue (l52m), its original dealer option colour. This colour is an extremely rare find on gti models, akin to bmw's "individual" colour, as not many vehicles were spec'd from new in this colour. The bodywork underwent a full restoration some years ago which included a full respray. It is in lovely condition with only a few very minor imperfections which are to be expected from a vehicle that is used. The cosmetic refresh continued with genuine vw arches and sill trims, along with new reproduction front and rear bumpers sourced from vw heritage. It would have been nice to find original bumpers but these were no longer available so vw heritage was the best option here. The front grill has had red trims and badge refurbished along with the spot-lamps refurbish to help freshen up the front end.
the sunroof has been fitted with new cable mechanism and seals,
the suspension has been replaced with bilstein b8 dampers (yellow bodied) and eibach springs. This is a significant improvement over the standard suspension without compromising on ride quality. Additionally, the ride height is visually very similar to a standard 16v.
the braking system has been upgraded to the 280mm option found on the corrado and golf rallye g60. standard 16v vehicles run a 256mm front disc so this modification provides a significant improvement in safety along with improved pedal feel.
further chassis improvements come from the golf mk3 which include: Front subframe and rear beam which give a slight increase in track width which improves handling. Front control arms were seam welded to improve stiffness and mk3 power steering was also fitted. New bushes were used throughout these upgrades.
the beauty of these improvements are that they all improv. The car while remaining invisible.
engine and engine bay:____________________________________________
similarly to the exterior of the car, restoration and detailing was done on the engine bay in an attempt to achieve an almost factory fresh look. This work included, paint work, aquablasting of all aluminium parts, power coating, de-rusting and zinc plating of numerous brackets and bolts etc.
this car benefits from being fitted with a 2. 0 16v engine as found in the mk3 golf gti 16v. This is a significant performance and drivability improvement over the standard 1. 8 whilst retaining original looks. I dressed the engine with almost all the components from the original 1. 8 to keep the factory looks. The alternator and belt system have been retained from the mk3 as they are a significant improvement over the original 1. 8 affair. To improv. The engine further, the factory ignition ecu has been replaced with a fully mappable dta ignition ecu.
during the restoration, the engine received: A new starter motor, new cam-belt, new temperature senders, new alternator, new clutch, rebuilt fuel system including new fuel pumps and fuel accumulator, a full gearbox rebuild with arp differential bolts, and new genuine bosch injectors.
a full service has been recently conducted including a new coolant header tank and cam belt.
wheels and tyres:________________________________________________
fully refurbished 15” genuine g60 corrado/ golf rallye g60 sebring wheels, wearing newly fitted rainsport 5 tyres. The wheels are kerb rash free. Although not fitted as standard to the mk2 16v. These wheels were available as dealer fit options in 1990 as well as being optional fit for other mk2 golf models sold in europe. I felt these really suit the lines of the car and add to the unique nature of this particular vehicle. The vehicle also comes with a rare 15” space saver, necessary to clear the 280mm brakes
interior:__________________________________________________ _______
interior is in lovely condition considering the age of the vehicle. I have modified a pair of golf mk3 recaro’s to fit the mk2, and had them professionally re-trimmed back in the original rainbow fabric. The car is fitted with genuine dealer mats, new pedal rubbers and newly trimmed head lining. A retro looking dab radio and dab capable bee sting aeriel are also included.
history and paperwork:__________________________________________
this vehicle comes with an extensive file containing numerous invoices for work carried out to the car through its life along with recent invoices covering the restoration period. The vehicle has covered 119000 miles and like “triggers broom” so many parts have been replaced over the years the mileage is not a reflection of condition.
this is a wonderful car and with so much done i'm sure i've missed something.
viewings by appointment only.
