We’ve covered Spektrum Golf R’s here before, and each time one pops up it’s admittedly somewhat of a surprise. Cult following, roughly 200 built for the US (33 in Viper Green), enthusiast brand and model- which is a long way to say “these things are sold before hitting market.” Yet here we have a Viper Green that was seemingly traded into a Mazda dealer of all places. Now, Mazda is a great brand with compelling offerings… but really? Perhaps if you scoop up this Tailored Driver, you can let us know what the previous owner walked away with.
The idea of gear goes hand in hand with car enthusiasm, whether that’s your run-of-the-mill car or something truly tailored. As we explore the world in and around tailored builds, factory specials and remasters of the automotive world, we’re beginning to add some other facets of the experience. So, we’re using this week’s opening of the annual Nüremberg Toy Fair to launch our own coverage of this space, beginning with a few scale models by OttOmobile of unique special editions from some of our favorite car marques.
The Toy Fair in Nüremberg is a popular place for toy manufacturers of all types to show their upcoming product. In our opinion, chief among those companies are the model car manufacturers who tend to show up in force. Like a new car auto industry show in the halcyon days of such events, Nüremberg plays host to first reveals of new car models, even if they are models of classic cars and seen in miniature scale.
OttOmobile has been busy making several social posts from the Toy Fair. Closely inspect shots from their booth and you can see a number of interesting cars coming, specifically in 1:18 and larger 1:12 scales that are their specialty. And while all of those are interesting to see depending on your favorite brands, we take particular interest in the specials. In this case, we’re talking special editions. Here are a few of our favorite from what they’ve shared.
1.) 1:18 Scale 2001 BMW M3 GTR Strassenversion (type E46) in Titan Silver Metallic 354
BMW M refers to the M3 GTR Strassenversion as the “unicorn” among the E46 range. About as racecar-for-the-road as you might get from the factory, the car had no air conditioning, no radio nor rear seat. What it did have, unlike other E46s, was a V8. At the time, BMW had planned a V8 version of the M3 GTR racecar to compete in sportscar racing, but was told they couldn’t because the engine didn’t exist in the roadgoing M3 range. That effectively made the car a prototype… unless BMW homologated a production car on which to base it.
The result is what you see here, a road car using a version of the the P60B40 racing engine tuned to 350 horsepower and 365 Newton meters at 5,000 rpm. The 4-liter mill also shared dry sump lubrication with the race version, though the racecar’s sequential transmission was swapped for a 6-speed manual with two-disc motorsport clutch and variable limited slip differential. All this helped establish the M3 GTR as more worthy of the “racecar-for-the-road” claim we make above, and the icing on the cake is that the car’s V8 engine was never used in any other road car.
In the end, BMW produced just ten M3 GTRs, with each of them painted Titan Silver Metallic like the model you see here. That was a short hurdle for BMW, making the car possible and the race version able to compete… at least temporarily. Competitors weren’t happy, lobbying for a more stringent change to 100 units. Unable or unwilling to comply, the M3 GTR racecar was retired from racing.
2.) 1:18 Scale 1995 Volkswagen Golf Cooler concept (Mk3) in Salsa Green
At the height of Volkswagen’s so-called “Mk3” era, Wolfsburg released a trim line of cars in eye-catching colors and called them “Color concept”. Centering around several unique paint colors (Jazz Blue Pearl Effect, Flash Red, Diamond Black Pearl Effect, Yellow and Salsa Green like you see here), the trim was available across both a vast spectrum of VW’s engine offerings and also across its Golf range including Golf, Golf Cabrio and Golf Estate. The kit included interior with bold matching color segmentation on the leather seats, the one-piece shift knob and boot, on the door cards, e-brake handle and even the VW emblem on the steering wheel.
You’d be forgiven for missing Diamond Black examples, recognizable only by their badges and relatively distinct wheels. Red or yellow, colors at least, are also somewhat ubiquitous, and Jazz Blue (believed to be the same formula as Audi’s Nogaro Blue) is still pretty common in today’s automotive market and amongst factory tailors. Salsa Green though, that’s a different story. Salsa Green is already striking and remains highly unique, so the choice to manufacture the model in that color is one we applaud.
Given this was largely a trim package, Color concept cars are not especially rare… at least in Europe where they were sold. These cars never came to North America via Volkswagen, so the only way you’ll find one here is to import one or find someone who has.
3.) 1:18 Scale 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STi WR1 Petter Solberg Edition (S203) in
The S203-generation WRX STi was developed with input from Subaru factory rally team driver Petter Solberg. Celebrating Solberg’s 2023 World Rally Championship Driver’s Title of that year was this very rare special edition with 315 bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged EJ20 flat four boxer engine and paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Part of this car’s kit was the Prodrive Performance Package, Prodrive exhaust, turbo timer and upgraded ECU. It also got a black interior, unique gear knob, commemorative dash plaque, the DRiver’s Control Center Differential (DCCD) and Prodrive-developed springs and bump stops with 25mm lower ride height. It was sold in only two colors – World Rally Blue and this model’s Ice Blue Metallic. Only 500 examples were produced worldwide. None were sold in North America, meaning you’ll have to wait until 2028 until you can import one legally.
What: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R Spektrum Color: Spektrum Irish Green (irischgrün; Y78; Porsche) VIN: WVWVA7AU4KW202921 Mileage: 30,057 miles Price: $44,995 CarFax:Link Original MSRP: $41,495 Location: Wyomissing, PA Listing:Link
Why we love it:
We’ve said it before (literally) and we’ll say it again. Irish Green is one of the best colors you could have gotten on Volkswagen’s 2019 run of Golf R Spektrum cars painted very special colors. Yes, we’ve seen this car before. It transacted on Bring a Trailer late last year, and it looks like it ended up in the inventory of Wyomissing, PA dealer Bay 22.
Since then, it’s only logged about 50+ miles, and it’s got its stock wheels back (that we’d argue help the value and collectibility of the car). No dis on aftermarket wheels, they just don’t bring value on collector sites like Bring a Trailer.
Back to this Golf, it remains a very special car and a worthy pursuit for a Volkswagen aficionado. That it’s painted a truly tasteful Porsche heritage color only adds to that.
Check out more details and photos of the car via the link above.
What: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R Spektrum Color: Spektrum Ginster Yellow (ginstergelb; L132; Volkswagen) VIN: WVWVA7AU5KW120194 Mileage: 55,086 miles Price at Time of Writing: $34,999 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Mechanicsburg, PA Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
At this point we suspect our readers are familiar with the Volkswagen Golf R Spektrum series from 2019. In short, 40 different colors were chosen, built, and subsequently sold through the U.S. and Canada. Of those, Ginster Yellow was chosen to hark the 1997 Driver’s Edition GTI (Mk3).
The car you see here is one of those Ginster Yellow cars, one of apparently 30 to be painted that color. The seller lists that’s it’s a DSG car, has the Driver’s Assistance Package and the Black Styling Package. Modifications are limited to H&R Blue lowering springs and a CTS intake. Though no CarFax is linked in the ad, the seller states it’s got a clean report including clean accident history.
What: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R Spektrum Color: Spektrum Irish Green (irischgrün; Y78; Porsche) VIN: WVWVA7AU4KW202921 Mileage: 30,000 miles Price at Time of this Writing: Bid to $30,369 with Six Days Left in Auction CarFax:Link Original MSRP: $41,495 Location: West Chester, PA Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
Beyond special or limited edition models, Volkswagen hasn’t had its own in-house tailoring department. However, in 2019, then Golf product planner Megan Closset decided to take matters into her own hands. VW of America was never going to set up a program like Audi has with Audi exclusive, but by doing a very limited run of a large spectrum of colors she could effectively do the same thing. So, that run was made ergo “Spektrum”, and those cars showed up at dealers with enthusiasts seeking them out like a Hot Wheels Treasuer Hunt.
That was MY2019, and by now it’s rare that these cars come up for sale. When they do, they’re often modified as is common practice in the Volkswagen ownership community. Collector cars, as we know, tend to carry more value when they’re relatively true to original form. Cars like this one, we’d argue, are sympathetically modified… meaning that there are a few mods like Sparco wheels and a removal of badges, but stock parts were retained.
More importantly, we’d argue Irish Green is one of the best colors you could have gotten. Many here probably already know that Irish Green is a classic Porsche hue. It’s steeped in heritage, as is Volkswagen’s association with Porsche, so a double win. This one’s also well kept and relatively low mileage, so if you’ve been looking for a Golf R Spectrum then this one should be near the top of your list.
What: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R Color: Spektrum Violet Touch Pearl (code LC4U) (violettouchpearl; pearl effect; LC4U; Volkswagen) VIN: WVWWA7AU7KW119018 Mileage: 61,021 Price at Time of this Writing: $25,999 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Union, NJ Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
Volkswagen’s Spektrum program was somewhat of a one-hit wonder, with all the right boxes checked- extremely limited run, one year only, enthusiast brand, enthusiast model only. Add to that the rare Spektrum shade of Violet Touch Pearl, a 6 speed manual transmission, and the seemingly reasonable $25,999 asking price, and we’re tempted. Important to note, the CarFax denotes this as a Canadian market example, meaning that warranty coverage, recalls, and registration could prove more challenging when compared to a US-market car.
Offered as a model year 2019 only option here in the US, Volkswagen Spektrum Golf R’s are incredibly hard to come by. Just 199 were produced, each of them bolstered by Volkswagen’s massive enthusiast crowd and tracked religiously by accounts like spektrum.only on Instagram, these cars are a one-way ticket to VW scene royalty.
This particular Spektrum Viper Green Metallic Volkswagen Golf R (VIN: WVWWA7AUXKW141398) sports a 6-speed manual transmission, and apart from PPF on the front half, silver mirror caps, and some wheel spacers, is advertised as being completely unmodified. Of note, Viper Green Metallic was actually the most common with 33 produced according to an interview with the model’s product planner.
This Spektrum Viper Green Metallic Volkswagen Golf R’s privilege of being ‘least rare’ doesn’t do a ton to soften the asking price though- at an asking of $43,990 with 41,271 miles on the clock, it’s still a pricey proposition. But for those who get it, this Tailored Driver could just be the perfect near-term commuter with little downside.
Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc., (VWoA) announced today the Volkswagen Spektrum Program for the 2019 Golf R. The program will allow customers to choose from 40 custom order colors—in addition to the five standard colors—ranging from Nogaro Blue Pearl and Violet Touch Metallic, to Caribbean Green and Copper Orange Metallic. These options make the Golf R stand out, from the highway to the driveway, while also highlighting the owners’ personality. The MSRP for one of the custom colors is $2,500.
“Golf R owners are some of Volkswagen’s most vocal, unique and expressive within the brand,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and After Sales for Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We are thrilled to be able to offer a new level of customization for the ultimate enthusiasts.”
The custom color program comes to VWoA via Volkswagen Canada, which introduced this program for the 2018 model year. Since the program’s debut, Volkswagen Canada has seen a high take rate on Golf R, indicating great interest in a vehicle that stands out from the pack. After listening to customer and enthusiast feedback asking for more color options for the enthusiast model, VWoA decided to adopt the program in the U.S. Each vehicle will be hand-painted in a separate paint shop before returning to the line for its finishing touches.
VWoA’s Product Marketing team worked in tandem with Volkswagen Canada to select a diverse range of colors for the 2019 model year Golf R that will appeal to owners, while still paying homage to the rich heritage of the Volkswagen color spectrum. Viper Green Metallic, originally found on the European Mk 3 Scirocco, and later featured on the Lamborghini Huracán, has been the most popular color to date in Canada. Other colors that will resonate with enthusiasts include Deep Blue Pearl from the Mk 4 and Mk 5 R32, Ginster Yellow from the 1997 Driver’s Edition GTI, and Mars Red from the Mk 1 GTI.
A builder tool will soon be added to www.vw.com, where customers can test out all 40 different colors, manipulating the vehicle with a 360-degree colorizer. Also on its way to all dealership showrooms is a color sample kit, which will allow customers to view each of the 40 colors duplicated on paint shop-quality color cards. To order, customers should visit their local dealer. After submitting an order, the build and delivery time is approximately two to four months.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Tiguan Limited vehicles through more than 650 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.
