Some of the projects we’re seeing lately are just downright crazy. A home workshop in the UK has caused an internet stir after the project owners decided to build a world first using a 1988 VW Caddy pickup. Using exotic parts never seen before on a truck project, Garage 68 Motorsport decided to put a McLaren 650S engine in their old VW Caddy and if that doesn’t already catch your eye, the gearbox is a 6th -speed manual gearbox from a Gallardo /Audi R8.
This is one way to start 2023, and the project has gone so far as to bring it all together. The production of various parts is currently underway.
As you’d expect, this isn’t the kind of project that comes with a “how to” guide, so the owners are enlisting the help of various companies to pull it off. A Haltech Nexus R5 ECU will be the heart of it all, complete with drive-by-wire throttle control, intake and exhaust cam control, and other cool features for a project like this.
The Caddy’s original engine compartment will house two radiators, one for the engine and one for the intercoolers. A pair of pumps also fit in there. They use Advanced Vehicle Tuning and thanks to the mid-engine setup, they can run water-to-air intercoolers instead of the typical air-to-air intercooler.
It’s hard to overlook the Porsche suspension parts used on the car (Porsche 986 Boxtster parts, to be exact) and we’re betting when it’s all done the Caddy will drive like a charm. Although the project is far from complete, we know for sure that the total cost could easily reach six figures.
We will definitely keep an eye on this project and keep you posted!