My name is Bennett Merrill, I am a service writer at Grossman Tuning, a European performance shop in Louisville, KY. I love my job since I am around modded euros all day. I like skateboarding and good hip hop I also like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain…
How long have you owned this car?
4 and half years. I didn’t really tell anyone and no one really saw it for about 6 months I tired to keep it a secret for a bit haha.
Is there anything unique about the history of this car?
I wish it had some crazy race history or something, but no not really.
What other cars did you consider?
I’ve always really wanted a Mk2 VRT Coupe or a Jazz Blue 20th. I’ve always had a thing for miatas though. Just don’t tell anyone hahaha.
What was your objective with this car?
I really wanted have something that gets attention at shows and driving around town, but still be able to drive it hard and beat on it.
What tuning style would you describe this car as?
Form and function. It’s essentially a pretty race car haha.
Who helped you build this car?
After building 4 other rabbits, I finally decided to buy one that I wasn’t going to have to dump money into the body. I found this one and fell in love with the color. Myself and a guy I used to work with (Eddy) pulled the 8V apart to put pistons, rods, a crank in it. It had a nice set up, but like everyone I wanted a bit more so I went through the motor and did some machine work. The guys at our shop, Grossman Tuning, have been more than willing to help me with my car. Especially John Grossman who is the local Mk1 go to guy.
What makes your car special?
I think that the fact that it looks nice and I’m not scared to drive it like it should be driven. Its always put a smile on my face when people compliment me on it, then the look on their face when I do a burnout and stay in it till 8k rpm.
What is your favorite part/feature/function?
I always brag about my functioning power recaros. Simply because the car is a 79. I absolutely love the way it idles though, super rough and aggressive.
Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car?
Marco’s Mk1, Nash’s Mk1. I love Rabbits that look amazing and have the power to back it up.
What don’t you like about this car?
I don’t like the interior. I wish I had a stereo and a/c. It needs more power! But both of the are being addressed in the next few months.
What was your biggest obstacle in building this car?
Money and time!!! And my short temper. Everyone knows sometimes working on a car is like defusing a bomb. Except the bomb is yourself hahaha.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project?
Im satisfied, but not extremely pleased. Id say a 7. Since I bought it the body has stayed about the same just with multiple wheel changes. The car is about to go under for some major work, some body work, and by the time this gets published the 1.8T swap will be in the works.
What would you do to the car if money were no object?
Oh lord, It would be re-sprayed the same color, pearl white OZ Turbos, white cage, built 1.8T 35R, nitrous to spool the turbo, all wheel drive, black and blue suede interior, Porsche GT3 seats.
Who has been your biggest critic of this project?
Matt and Potter, they are my co workers.
Who gets to drive this car?
Hahaha just about no one. My girlfriend Lauren on occasion (but she lets me drive her ballin 20th), and John Grossman since I will steal his Callaway turbo 84 gti if he breaks mine haha.
If your car had a motto, what would it be?
I tried to think of something cleaver.
If you had to name your car, what would you name it?
The blue car. When I had multiple rabbits (you cant own just one) they were referred to by color.
What one word best describes your car?
Vintage. (That’s just a nice word for really old hahaha)
Vehicle Information:
Engine:Stroked, built, 1.8 12:1 compression block. Milled, port and polished big valve head. 298* Cam. Port matched G60 Intake manifold, Neuspeed big bore throttle body, TT Header, custom exhaust. European CIS.
Exterior: Fully shaved hatch, all side markers shaved, shaved antenna. Painted custom blue. Zender spoiler. Deep duckbill, Quad round grill with yellow hella inner lights. Plastic Euro bumpers, Textured GTI flares, Chrome rocker trim.
Interior: Black carpet, Sparco steering wheel, power GLI Recaros, Early scirocco gauges, Suede wrapped dash.
Suspension: H&R Ultra Lows, Neuspeed sway bars, Neuspeed Strut bars, All poly engine mounts and suspension bushings, solid transmission mount.
15×7 Ronal et27 R8s, 195/45/15 Toyo Proxies T1-R. Corrado G60 Front/Scirocco 16V rear brakes with drilled Brembos and Hawk pads.