What’s that you spy in the distance? A small boxy chassis with 4 blazing headlights and a sporty prowess? “Hear come the boy racers” you may think, but something’s different here. You can see the ‘hot hatch’ approaching, but you can’t hear it. Before you know it, 162BHP of stealth glides swiftly and silently to a stop in front of you as your mouth drops open. The driver winds down and window and seeing your face, they offer an explanation; “It’s electric”.

The VW Golf Mk2 debuted in 1984 and was originally powered by a 1.8 litre eight-valve engine. It might not have been the quickest or sexiest hatch of its day, but it was easily the classiest and most rounded, or most boxy depending on your description. But the power was always referred to as ‘underwhelming’ at 110BHP. Eventually the GTI improved this to 137BHP but eDub Services have gone one step further. Utilising a Tesla Drive unit where the engine and gearbox used to be, this nimble Classic EV is set to deliver 162BHP.

“It could manage the full 270BHP” Describes Kit Lacey, Company Director at eDub Services, “But it’s not that fun to drive, after a lot of testing; 162BHP feels perfect” Plus, with no gear changes or revving, you get all that power from the second you press the throttle. In place of the gear stick is a subtle Drive Selector; Drive, Neutral or Reverse. The clutch has gone too so your left foot has plenty of space to stretch out. “We decided to keep the interior as original as possible,” continues Kit, with three simple dials on the dash showing MPH, SOC (State of Charge) and Amps instead of revs with a fancy regen section to the dial. “Heating is High Voltage from the battery pack so it’s instant warmth, plus all lights are upgraded to LED inside and out.”

eDub Services are used to converting VWs, but normally the more rectangular and ‘glampy’ varieties. Specialising in VW T2 camper conversions, it was only a matter of time before eDub gracefully sidestepped towards other VW varieties. eDub’s campers use the same drive unit but are set at a much lower power which is perfect for the classic campers, but the performance on this Golf is something else, as eDub have pulled more wizardry out of the bag and made the performance spot on. eDub’s Golf Mk2 conversion is subtle and sprightly, you can feel that with a little twitch of your right foot, this thing could really take off. Even with an open road, you’re a little afraid to go full throttle, but knowing that the beast can take it puts a little smirk on your face.

eDub have spent the last 15 months perfecting the components and fabrication work of this conversion, with unique, bespoke battery boxes and drive unit subframe, the engine bay of the Golf looks like it was designed to take this set up from the beginning.

This conversion features a 53kWh battery pack with approx. 170 miles range per charge. We’ll also start producing 35kWh version with 120 miles range for drivers who might want more storage or a lighter car. This conversion features CHAdeMO Rapid charging but future version will use the more widespread CCS2 with 70kW charging speed.

eDub Services ware now taking orders for Golf Mk2 conversions with production starting in 2022. Visit edubconversions.co.uk/golf-mk2 for more details or call 01423 423 324 for more details