Nothing beats a car that can go topless
This Golf Mk 1 even has traffic police ogling
ALBERTON financial controller Sergen Naicker is not surprised when he gets pulled over by the Johannesburg Metro Police. His car draws a lot of attention.
The 1990 VW Mk 1 Karmann Golf Cabriolet is an old-school classic and Naicker, 30, enjoys taking it out for a drive once in a while to show it off.
“The cops usually pull me over to get a closer look at the car,” he said.
“I have wiggled my way out of a traffic fine or two by distracting them with the automatic suspension, which can be lowered or raised with a touch of a button.”
His interest in Volkswagens started at the age of 12 when he watched drag races in Durban and was impressed by the performance of the brand’s cars.
Five years ago, he spotted the Karmann on sale — it belonged to a woman who wanted to find a new home
The cops usually pull me over to get a closer look at the car. I have wiggled my way out of a traffic fine or two by distracting them with the automatic suspension, which can be lowered or raised with a touch of a button
for her old faithful.
“When I bought the car, it was stock standard and white in colour. I loved that it was a cabriolet,” said Naicker.
“I had it resprayed to a Porsche colour — Herbstbraun Pearl — and added Pioneer speakers and an Alpine audio deck.
“I also fitted an AccuAir Switchspeed management system, Viair compressor, airlift air bag struts and polished Porsche 928 mags with Nankang tyres, among a few other modifications and enhancements. It has a red leather interior and custom bucket seats.”
Naicker said the mass appeal of Volkswagen, with its “people’s car” slogan and its affordability, also attracted him to the brand.
He bagged a few awards for his car at two auto competitions in Lenasia last year, including for lowest ride, best custom car, best of the show and best stance.
Naicker said he drew inspiration from VW fans in Europe, who went the extra mile to make their cars unique.
Naicker also owns a 2013 VW Polo Vivo GT that he uses daily, as well as a lefthand drive 1961 VW Beetle that he uses for “Sunday cruising”.
But the cabriolet is the vehicle that gets the most compliments, and for Naicker his trophy VW is the apple of his eye.