PERFORMANCE

OMAR SHAHAB’S MKII VW GOLF

Omar’s MkII VW Golf is another super-clean build. Although he now resides in the 09 area, he originally hails from the UK, which is evident from the styling and attention to detail that was put into the build. The MkII features a built 1800 with 272 cams and a modified G60 intake, which impart a good power punch. The highly detailed engine bay has seen hundreds of hours poured into making it as decluttered and clean as possible. Slammed on some refurbished BBS RS180s and RS247s, the Golf is certainly doing its job, and showing Kiwis what is possible with these small hatchbacks.

ALEX MACASKILL’S SR-POWERED SR COUPE

What was once a bogged-up rust bucket has been painstakingly transformed into a circuit-racing showpiece by Blenheim-based automotive refinisher, Alex. The four-year project has seen a great level of detail put into all aspects of the build, including a near-perfect paint job that extends to a full three-layer pearl-painted driveline. The classic racer runs an SR20DE+T, with an SR20 five-speed and three-linked Hilux rear end. It’s freshly completed, and Alex plans to contest the South Island endurance series and local hill climbs in the car.

DUSTIN NG’S 2JZ-GTE R34

Nissan purists step away now, what we have here is the ultimate collaboration between some of the greatest performance cars to ever come out of Japan, the GT-R, MKIV Toyota Supra, and Evo. With 441kW coming from a single-turbo 2JZ-GTE and Getrag six-speed combination, Dustin’s four-door R34 is as practical as it is scary fast. With R35 GT-R brakes, 20x10.5-inch wheels, and an Evo VII interior, it’s a true melting-pot collaboration between some of Japan’s greatest performance cars, all put together in true Kiwi form. It’s no show pony, either. This thing sees regular street use as Dustin’s daily driver. How cool is that!

GRAEME SMYTH’S 1996 FD RX-7

Both a driver and a race-car builder, Graeme Smyth has constructed his personal FD RX-7 to be a front runner in the SS2000 class. The attention to detail that went into the build is second to none, and it includes plenty of innovative parts that should ensure it’s a championship contender. It’s powered by what must be the most powerful 13B bridge-port in New Zealand, and backed by a sixspeed Modena sequential, so there is no denying this will be a fast machine, especially when you factor in the aero and Graeme’s lifelong experience behind the wheel.