Today’s import scene finds itself littered with cars – that are built just to snag a moment in the limelight. They get their features… whether it is on a large-scale website or in a publication. And then, just like that, they are dismantled, parted out, and forgotten by their owners like a one night stand – except when it comes to bragging about their conquests at meets. There’s a certain pride in ownership and/or pride in craftsmanship that seems to be missing in that. Well – the 81 VW Rabbit that lies across the pages in front of you is NOT one of those cars. And its owner, Delroy Nicholson (aka Dred), is not the type of guy that builds a car just for some praise to nurse his ego. Dred builds his cars for the love. It’s
something that’s just inside of him – like a pulse. He doesn’t do it for the paparazzi, and he doesn’t do it for the haters either. For Dred, the cars are not a prideful motive. It’s just – heritage. And this car reflects him in its simplicity, its raw style, and its character….
Purchase Issue 23 here to read the rest of this story
1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
ENGINE
G60 1.8v from 90′ Corrado
Ported & polished head
Ported & polished intake manifold (by Assist Motorsports)
Techtonics cam
Techtonics adjustable cam gear
Techtonics valve springs
ARP head stud kit
Forge pistons
Stage 3 chip (by SNS)
Taylor wires (BOSCH spark plugs)
Porsche 944 fuel pressure regulator
Ported supercharger (Techtonics one-way Valve)
Audi A4 intercooler
2.5in. exhaust (Flowmaster muffler)
5 speed manual – ‘98 Mk3 Golf
16 valve pressure plate
SACHS clutch
Neuspeed short shifter
SUSPENSION / BRAKES / WHEELS / TIRES
100mm Scirocco axles
11″ Corrado brakes
Steel braided brake lines
Neuspeed sway bars
Bilstein strut & shocks (by Eibach)
3 piece Volk Racing wheels – front 16×7 rear 16×8
Falken ZE512 tires – 205/40/16
EXTERIOR
2004 BMW silver with blue pearl additives
‘76 rabbit mirrors
Westmoreland Grill
Crystal Clear headlight with HID
Duck bill chin spoiler
Shaved windshield wipers
Shaved antennae
INTERIOR
92 GTI Recaro seats
Momo steering wheel carbon fiber, F1 concept
Momo seat belt
Autometer gauges (boost, oil pressure, oil temp, airflow, & H2O)
Grey suede & leather interior door panels with red stitching
VW emblem in suede headliner
VW Motorsport shift knob
Alpine head unit
MB Quart high & mid speakers
Boston Acoustic door speakers
Sony Xplod 8” subwoofer
Rockford 750 watt amp
THANKS TO…
Scott Weeks of Assist Motorsport, Tim Murray (Southside), Russ Thomas (DBD), Matt
Jones, S3 Magazine, and my wonderful wife. I dedicate this to my Grandpa Mighty who
has made all things possible through his words of wisdom and his inspiration.
Wicked Dread