Skip advert
Advertisement

The wonders of Wörthersee

We learn about alternative car customising...

For us, modifying a car is usually done for specific dynamic reasons. The idea is that it should work better in the right circumstances, so it’s OK to move away from the original design compromise. Here in Wörthersee it’s done entirely for visual and aural effect and the deeply degraded driving experience is immaterial.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Sidewalls are stretched to their limits, air springs let bodies down onto bump stops. The engineering efforts of Dr Hackenberg and his counterparts are cast aside, and he must be appalled at what he sees. But what artistry takes the place of those efforts: here’s a Polo with a full-frame Audi grille, there’s an Audi A3 airbrushed to look as though it’s built out of riveted steel plates.

And what’s with these terminally rusty Golfs and Jettas? Actually, the Golf is not rusty at all, just artfully painted to look that way as an anti-custom-car statement. It’s known as the rat look. The Jetta, meanwhile, is genuinely paintless and rusting, and its seats are showing their bare foam innards.

Extra Info

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used car deals of the week: a Ferrari F12 for supersaloon money
F12 Used car deals
News

Used car deals of the week: a Ferrari F12 for supersaloon money

We dive into the classifieds this week to find the very best performance cars for the least amount of money, including a cut-price V12 Ferrari
13 Feb 2026
The man who traded fighter jets for rally cars, and never looked back
Chris Tolman
Features

The man who traded fighter jets for rally cars, and never looked back

From building BTCC engines to crafting the ultimate Peugeot 205 GTI restomods, Chris Tolman’s journey is one defined by automotive passion and precisi…
15 Feb 2026
​Best hot hatchbacks 2026 - affordable family-friendly fast cars
Best hot hatchbacks
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2026 - affordable family-friendly fast cars

The VW Golf GTI Edition 50 and Toyota Yaris Aero Performance breath life into what was an ailing hot hatch segment
16 Feb 2026