Make: Volkswagen
Model: Polo
Connor McCann's modified Mk4 VW Polo
They say it takes courage, discipline, strength, determination and good teamwork. It’s true, and Connor McCann needed all those traits; not for the army, but to build a trophy winning modified VW Euro style Polo from a rough base car. “It was in real sorry state when I got hold of it,” 20-year -old Connor tells us. “We’re talking rotten wings, door handles brush painted, big dent in one door and even cut springs!” Despite this poor starting position, our raw recruit realised he had to stand up and be counted; it was time for action!
A strict low budget strategy was devised and Connor got to work with the help of Eugene (call sign: Dad). The pair set about the bodywork, making the necessary repairs but also giving the exterior a healthy dose of smoothing. Side repeaters, badging, bump strips and even the passenger mirror became collateral damage as smooth 16v bumpers, grille, doors, wings, handle recesses and bootlid marched in. Other trick touches were added such as clear front corners, leather roof and leather mirror blank plate.
On the mechanical side, the 1.4 8v engine remained standard to help keep insurance costs down so there was no need to beef up the brakes. The same could not be said of the suspension though, as the dodgy chopped springs made way for Jackson Tuning coilovers. Not only does this transform the handling but it also sinks the Polo nicely onto the sweet Steffan BCW rims.
Originally, the plan of attack was to give the Polo a full respray in white but fate had other ideas. “I ran out of time to get the car ready for a meet so painted it in army green as a temporary measure,” Connor laughs, “It went down a storm! I thought it looked fantastic and so did the guys at the meet so I decided to keep it that way.” Continuing the theme, Connor went on to add a camouflage net to the front seats, red crosses on the sun visors and a hand grenade for a gear knob. Even the boot install contains a 10-inch Diamond sub surrounded in army green paint with a touch of camo net between the two Genesis amps.
Connor has shown true bravery to go down this route but has clearly hit the target by creating a unique ride. No doubt this inspirational work will have others ready to sign up for his idea of an army experience!
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