Feature car - Kurt Hertsens' Golf GTI G60

Here’s our first feature car, we’re hoping you like it as much as we do!

 
Kurt Hertsens is the very lucky owner of this Volkswagen Golf mark 2 GTI G60. Originally sold in The Netherlands in 1990 Kurt’s Golf is a genuine G60 making it a reasonably rare car. Once in Belgium and in the care of Kurt this mark 2 Golf underwent an extensive range of subtle modifications, all of which encompass the OEM+ ideal but done well before the OEM+ look had even become that popular.


The engine benefited from some attention, the 1800 8 valve now producing a healthy 200+bhp thanks to a new camshaft, a new chip and a smaller pulley. A Mocal thermostatic oil cooler helps the engine cope with the extra demands created by the power increase whilst some extra detailing ensures a concours finish to the engine bay.

To cope with the extra power and speed generated Kurt opted for a complete set of adjustable AP coilovers as well as improved brake callipers, pads, discs and braided hoses - a front strut brace keeps the struts nice and tight. Whilst altering all the brakes and suspension Kurt also opted to convert his Golf from the original 4x100 stud pattern to the later 5x100 pattern, removing the need for spacers or adaptors. Kurt also switched away from the Porsche 17” BBS Rennsport wheels he had fitted originally (using adaptors) to a brand new, special order set of 7½x17” Compomotive TH2s (ET32 front and ET22 rear). Wrapped in 185/35R17 tyres the wheels really compliment the car’s styling as well as adding to the poise and enhance the stiff, race-car like handling of the G60.

 Having ensured his Golf now goes, stops and corners as he would like Kurt turned his attention to the exterior and interior of the car. The Golf retains all the original Volkswagen badges and is still painted in the original Royal Blue colour as it was when it left the factory. In keeping with the OEM+ look the door handles have been replaced by Porsche 944 Turbo versions and the front fog lights are now yellow rather than white, very subtle we think you’ll agree.

The interior is once again an example of OEM+ at its best, the front seats are electric Recaros re-trimmed in Golf mark 6 chequer material and leather. The original BBS steering wheel benefits from some mark 6 chequer material and a custom fabricated aluminium centre. Audi TT pedals add a touch more aluminium to the interior whilst OE style VDO gauges in the centre console provide all the information Kurt needs to fully enjoy the performance of his Golf.

Kurt is very pleased with the his car and rightly so, it embraces everything that is good about the G60 and improves it subtly making this Belgian Golf one of the nicest everyday OEM+ spec cars we’ve seen.

Thanks to Kurt for all his help and the photographs, if you fancy getting your car featured just let us know!