For true automotive aficionados, the thrill lies in the unexpected, in witnessing the boundaries of car culture being pushed to their absolute limits. As content creators at obd-de.com and dedicated auto repair experts, we constantly seek out these exhilarating stories. Our recent deep dive led us to Sweden, where we encountered a machine that not only defied expectations but redefined them: a Volkswagen Caddy Automobile unlike any other.
Initially, the brief mentioned a feature on an “aggressive Volkswagen Caddy.” Frankly, that was enough to pique our interest. However, nothing could have prepared us for the sheer audacity of this build. The first glimpse of this 1JZ-powered marvel was enough to send any preconceived notions scattering. This wasn’t just a modified vehicle; it was an automotive statement. Questions immediately flooded our minds: Was this a no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object project? A high-profile promotional vehicle? And most importantly, who was the visionary behind this incredible machine, and what drove its creation?
To truly appreciate the brilliance of this Caddy automobile, it’s essential to journey back to a time when automotive madness reigned supreme, particularly in the UK scene of the late ’90s and early 2000s. This era was defined by builders who dared to challenge convention, stuffing high-performance engines into vehicles where they seemingly didn’t belong. Icons like Ian Birch of Dubsport, renowned for his rear-engine and twin-engine VW conversions that graced magazine covers, and Squint of MJS Performance, famous for his utterly insane rear-engined Ford Escort and twin-engined RS Turbo pickup, set the benchmark for automotive lunacy. These were the days of peak automotive insanity, a glorious period of rule-breaking creativity.
While engine swaps and modifications continued, the UK VW scene, and perhaps the broader car modification world, saw a shift. The focus moved towards meticulously clean, factory-appearing engine bays housing powerful but visually subtle upgrades. The raw, unadulterated madness seemed to take a backseat. This is precisely why Viktor Martensson’s 1JZ-powered Volkswagen Caddy truck is such a breath of fresh air. It’s a defiant return to the spirit of those groundbreaking builds, injecting pure, unadulterated craziness back into the automotive world.
Viktor, the ingenious mind behind this Caddy automobile, along with his crew at Japcrap Bombsquad, are driven by a simple yet powerful philosophy: automotive fun. They embody the very essence of what makes car culture so captivating. Viktor, a Stockholm-based metalworker, alongside his friends, has crafted a vehicle that isn’t just about performance figures or pristine aesthetics; it’s about pure, unadulterated enjoyment.
The sheer audacity of this build is what truly captivates. It’s a beautiful rebellion against automotive norms, a seamless fusion of Euro and JDM sensibilities. Viktor has masterfully blended elements from various car scenes, creating a vehicle that commands attention and sparks conversation across different automotive communities. This Caddy automobile transcends categorization; it’s a melting pot of Euro styling, drift culture, JDM power, and stance aesthetics all rolled into one. Imagine it as a United Nations project, but for car culture!
At first glance, it might appear to be simply a wildly modified Volkswagen Caddy truck with a distinctive side-exit exhaust. However, beneath the surface lies a far more radical transformation. This build isn’t just about swapping an engine; it’s a complete re-engineering of the Caddy’s very DNA. The front end is essentially a Toyota Soarer cleverly masked by the Caddy’s panels. The rear subframe? Also Soarer. As Rod Chong aptly put it during the photoshoot, “There’s a ghost of a Soarer living inside that Caddy.”
Perhaps it’s this “ghost of a Soarer” that gives the Caddy automobile its menacing personality. The front fascia almost seems to possess a singular, aggressive stare, as if daring anyone to stand in its way. And Viktor isn’t afraid to push his creation to its limits, as these dynamic shots captured by Paddy at the Gröndal Eskilstuna Motorsport Arena demonstrate.
Incredibly, this track outing was only the Caddy’s second time being truly unleashed in its current form. Viktor had recently made adjustments to optimize it for track use. Previously, the external wastegate screamed through a screamer pipe that mirrored the aggressive interior shifters, exiting straight from the engine bay. While visually and sonically dramatic, it proved too loud for track regulations. Viktor ingeniously re-engineered the wastegate system to comply with noise restrictions, without sacrificing the engine’s raw power and menacing growl.
The 1JZ turbo engine delivers a surprisingly refined straight-six symphony, a sound utterly unexpected from a VW, let alone a Caddy truck. This smooth engine note is perfectly complemented by the vehicle’s striking stance and wheel setup. Viktor opted for iconic OZ Racing Futura wheels, with super-wide 17×10-inch versions at the rear and 17×8.5-inch up front. While still in the development phase, the stance is already spot-on for those who appreciate aggressive wheel fitment. The timeless Futura design adds a touch of classic elegance to this otherwise wild build.
The mastermind behind this automotive marvel is Viktor himself. Starting with an E30 BMW as his first car, rear-wheel-drive vehicles are ingrained in his automotive DNA. His fabrication skills were honed before he mastered bodywork, showcasing his versatile approach to car building. Viktor is a true jack-of-all-trades, willing to tackle every aspect of a build himself.
The dashboard installation, the intricate wiring, and the subtle yet impactful interior touches are all Viktor’s creations, reflecting his unique personality. It’s this injection of personal style that elevates a build beyond mere parts installation. Viktor hasn’t just assembled components; he’s infused his Caddy automobile with his own character and vision.
This Caddy automobile is unequivocally built for the driver. Ergonomics and functionality are paramount. The gear shifter and hydraulic handbrake (e-brake for our American readers) are perfectly positioned for quick, intuitive access. Despite its stance car aesthetics, this is fundamentally a driving machine, engineered for performance and driver engagement.
The Nissan S13 dash pod hints at the serious pedal box conversion Viktor undertook, further emphasizing the driver-centric nature of this build.
Optimum Balance Products (OBP) components further enhance the Caddy’s focus on driver experience. Viktor’s Moto X background is evident in his natural drifting ability, especially impressive considering this was only his second time pushing the Caddy automobile on track.
A wider view of the interior reinforces the “function over form” philosophy. This raw, purposeful aesthetic perfectly complements the aggressive exterior and the overall character of the build. It’s a car with a clear, cohesive theme, radiating an unapologetically angry, or perhaps “super mad,” persona.
This is just the beginning for Viktor and his Japcrap Bombsquad. They have ambitious plans to further refine the Caddy automobile and extract even more power from the 1JZ engine. Just before the photoshoot, the car dynoed at 310 wheel horsepower at a conservative 0.6 bar of boost, hinting at the untapped potential lurking within.
The heart of this beast, the 1JZ motor, wasn’t a straightforward swap. Viktor had the Caddy sitting idle in his workshop for years before a turbocharged ’91 Soarer, donor to the crucial 1JZ, entered his possession. Twelve months of intense labor followed, culminating in this extraordinary machine.
The Soarer’s front end was expertly grafted onto the Volkswagen Caddy, a testament to Viktor’s fabrication prowess. Soarer suspension components, including the 5×114.3 hubs, were integrated, allowing for a wider selection of aftermarket wheels compared to the Caddy’s original 4×100 setup.
Viktor’s parts sourcing strategy is refreshingly eclectic. He utilizes a mix of components, some specifically purchased, like the Tial wastegate, while others are repurposed from previous projects or acquired opportunistically. This “hunter-gatherer” approach results in a vehicle that’s not only impressive but also reflects resourcefulness and ingenuity.
One thing is undeniable: this car exudes character. Its quirky charm is infectious. Even the engine bay, with its striking purple and black color scheme, contributes to the overall coolness factor.
A GT35 turbo forces air into the 1JZ, generating an exhilarating sound. However, this performance comes at a price – fuel consumption is, shall we say, enthusiastic. Driven to its full potential, the turbocharged 1JZ can devour 10 gallons of fuel in under 120 miles!
A bird’s-eye view of the engine bay reveals how far back the 1JZ is positioned, nestled tightly against the bulkhead. This rearward placement optimizes weight distribution, a crucial factor in the Caddy automobile’s impressive drifting capabilities. A passenger ride-along confirmed its agility and balance, leaving us eager for another experience once further development is complete.
The side-exit exhaust serves as a constant reminder of the sheer craziness of this build. The twin two-inch exhausts ensure that this Caddy automobile is heard long before it’s seen.
We sincerely hope you have the opportunity to witness this remarkable Caddy automobile in person. Hearing the 1JZ engine sing its smooth, powerful song on track is an experience for both the eyes and ears. It’s a Volkswagen build that shatters predictability, a testament to out-of-the-box thinking and exceptional execution.
Viktor and the Japcrap Bombsquad have revived the spirit of automotive craziness that defined past eras, applying it to this incredible Caddy automobile. The dialed-in stance adds a contemporary edge, making it undeniably cool.
On the day of the shoot, Viktor’s Caddy automobile brought smiles to everyone who encountered it. His ingenious approach to the build is truly admirable. This isn’t a project fueled by endless funds; it’s a labor of passion, dedication, and sheer hard work. Viktor and Japcrap Bombsquad are uniting the best aspects of diverse car cultures, all while having an immense amount of fun with their creations. And that, without a doubt, is something every car enthusiast should celebrate.
Words by Ben Chandler
Photos by Paddy McGrath & Rod Chong
Viktor Martensson’s 1JZ-powered VW Caddy – Technical Specifications
ENGINE: Toyota 1JZ motor, GT3582r turbo, Tial 38mm wastegate, 3″ downpipe, aftermarket plenum with 80mm throttle body, BMW F10 radiator with dual 12″ electric fans, 19-row oil cooler, GReddy blow-off valve.
DRIVELINE: BMW ZF gearbox, ACT paddle clutch, custom-made driveshafts.
SUSPENSION/BRAKES: BC Racing BR coilovers, stock Toyota Soarer brakes.
WHEELS/TIRES: OZ Racing Futura 17×8.5 (front), 17×10 (rear), Federal SS595 195/40/17 (front), Nankang NS-II 215/40/17 (rear).
EXTERIOR: Full respray in Japcrap purple, custom wide fender flares, side-exit exhaust system, fully customized rear bay with a 10-gallon fuel cell.
INTERIOR: Flocked and modified Nissan S13 dashboard, custom eight-point roll cage, hydraulic handbrake, Sparco Sprint racing seats.
Note: The provided desktop images at the end of the original article were not included in the rewritten article as they are supplementary and not essential to the core content.
