The 1989 Volkswagen Golf Rallye, or simply Rallye as it is often referred to as, is arguable the epitome of old school VW perfection. It’s the car that the U.S. needed but never got. This may also be the reason that it is so coveted: It’s the forbidden fruit of the early water cooled community. With only having 5000 officially produced from its Brussels plant, they are definitely some of the rarest models around.
Ben Fishers Alpine White Rallye is one of the finest examples in existence. His theme pays homage to the car’s racing pedigree but puts a show car twist on it as well. The roll cage, carbon GT3 seats, cam lock 4-points, and meaty tires lets everyone know this car shows when it needs to but gets down and dirty whenever it wants.
When initially crafting the car, the designers at VW borrowed many styling cues from their own Audi Quattro and also from other manufacturers including the first generation Lancia Delta and the BMW E30 M3. Somehow they managed to keep many traits uniquely VW.
This car pulls off the Alpine White so well that BMW should of called the color, Rallye Weiss.
So much car for such a small package; but then again, VW has had a long standing tradition of doing this.
Who says a rally car can’t have good stance?
This car is still sporting it’s original engine and drive-train, albeit it has all been powder coated black. This car in all is pretty impressive considering that many owners, after purchasing it from the showroom floor in 1989, didn’t let their cars last long enough for a 2nd owner.
The interior continues the theme where the exterior left off; simple, clean and utilitarian with just a touch of plush. The color matched cage not only adds to the ‘wow factor’ of the car but is also a practical safety implement to include in these older vehicles.
The relocated battery box and fluid reservoirs were among some of the most tasteful I’ve seen.
From bumper to bumper this not-so-average Golf is rooted in clean lines, tasteful mods, and a bloodline that would excite any auto enthuasist. I however, am not so sure if the car is so cool because it is nearly unobtainable stateside or because it was so well thought out and crafted. Either way I would love to meet the owner and shake his hand for his wonderful addition to the entire V.A.G. scene.
Specs:
repainted bmw alpine wiess
origional g60 engine and drivetrain painted satin black
jabba stage 4 charger, chip and 68mm pulley
volkspeed/power torque full stainless rallye exhaust 60mm
hidden washer bottle, battery, power steering resevoir
all smiles header tank
home made hidden wiring loom
standard g60 brakes all round
full powerflex poly bushes throughout
fk konisport coilovers
8.5 & 9 ACT 2 piece splits
porsche door handles
911 GT3 RS Carbon backed seats (reps) on home made subframes
6 point roll cage
custom boot floor
All smiles gearknob
sparco 280mm suede steering wheel
alcantara headlining and door cards/pillar trims etc
audi tilt slide sunroof
rear wiper removed