Trevor Picknell’s 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco is a testament to dedication and passion in the world of car modification. What started as an impulse buy for a 14-year-old with dreams of a CRX evolved into a nine-year project culminating in a stunning, air-ride equipped, MK2 Scirocco. This isn’t just another restored classic; it’s a deeply personal build embodying the spirit of automotive enthusiasm and the rewards of persistent effort. Trevor’s journey with his Scirocco recently reached a new peak when he won an Air Lift Performance air suspension system, a prize that propelled his long-term vision into reality.
The transformation was swift. Within four days of receiving his winnings from the StanceWorks and Air Lift Performance giveaway, Trevor had the complete air suspension system installed on his Volkswagen Scirocco 1988. This rapid progress and infectious enthusiasm were key factors in StanceWorks choosing Trevor as the winner from thousands of entries. His entry wasn’t just about a car; it was a story of nearly a decade spent refining a somewhat underappreciated model. As Trevor himself humorously noted, “Just telling other enthusiasts I own [a MK2 Scirocco] and they get this half-cringe on their face, understandably. Sciroccos are not good looking cars, and they need all the help they can get.” This self-deprecating humor and unwavering motivation resonated with the judges, and now, this once-understated red liftback is truly ready for its moment in the spotlight.
Trevor’s passion for cars is somewhat unique in his family. Unlike many car enthusiasts who inherit the love from family members, Trevor’s interest was self-ignited. Growing up as an only child with parents who didn’t quite grasp the automotive obsession, his fascination developed independently. “My parents swear that my first word was ‘car’,” Trevor recalls, “and that I’ve always been obsessed about anything with wheels.” This innate passion led him to pursue his own project car, a decision that initially presented an “awkward stage” with his parents, likely concerning the inevitable driveway mess. However, they eventually came around, understanding the irresistible pull of car culture.
The burgeoning car modification scene, fueled by franchises like Fast and Furious, played a significant role in Trevor’s early enthusiasm. “I got to an age where Fast and Furious was getting big and the car culture was appealing to kids like me. The whole idea of getting a project car to fix up engulfed me…,” he explains. Even before he had a driver’s license, Trevor was immersed in the car community. “My mom would drive me to meets when I was 14 and 15, and I loved it.” Interestingly, his initial automotive desires leaned towards Japanese performance cars, particularly the Honda CRX.
Fate, however, had a different Volkswagen in store. During his freshman year of high school, Trevor’s bus route passed a used car lot where a worn-out Scirocco sat with a gradually decreasing price tag. Starting at $1400 and eventually dropping to a firm $800, the price became irresistible. “I told my dad I absolutely had to have this car because it looked like a CRX. This whole time I had no idea what it really was until I finally convinced my dad to look at it with me.” After some negotiation, they drove away with the 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco for just $700. The reality of project car ownership quickly set in; the Scirocco overheated on the two-mile drive home. But for Trevor, this was a minor setback. “I didn’t really care, I had a car that was MINE. No one else at school had their own car, but I did. Many nights were spent eating dinner inside of it, sitting there wondering what I could make of this car I knew nothing about.”
By 2008, after two years of saving and learning, Trevor finally had his Volkswagen Scirocco 1988 roadworthy, just in time for his 16th birthday and driver’s license. But mechanical functionality was just the beginning. Trevor’s vision expanded to the car’s aesthetics, marking the start of a deeper transformation.
The factory styling of the MK2 Scirocco, typical of the 1980s, didn’t align with Trevor’s evolving taste. The bulky bumpers, dated headlights, and factory body kit were removed in pursuit of a cleaner, more personalized look. Trevor initially intended to tackle the bodywork himself, stripping away the trim and body kit. However, this exposed significant body filler, revealing that the car had been extensively repaired in the past, particularly on the passenger side. Collision damage was also evident in the engine bay. “I wanted to do all the bodywork myself but it became apparent that it was out of my realm.” The Scirocco was then entrusted to professionals for proper bodywork repair and restoration.
With the bodywork addressed, Trevor shifted his focus back to the engine. A simple 2.0 8-valve engine swap was the initial plan, but the freshly painted exterior highlighted the lackluster engine bay. A simple cleanup escalated into a full engine bay shave and respray, a task Trevor undertook himself, further deepening his connection with the build.
Over the years of the Scirocco project, wheels became another focal point. Numerous sets were tried, bought, sold, and traded in the search for the perfect match. Finally, a set of BBS RS001 wheels surfaced on Craigslist, advertised by a seller parting out a second-generation Honda Prelude. “I didn’t know they were 4×100 VW spec until I got there and helped the guy pull them off the car. Let’s just say I paid less for them than you would a new Playstation game.” Despite their poor condition, the BBS wheels had the ideal specifications for Trevor’s vision. With new lips, bolts, center caps, paint, and extensive polishing, the wheels were restored to their former glory, perfectly complementing the rest of the meticulously crafted Volkswagen Scirocco 1988.
Progress, though steady, was gradual until Trevor entered the Air Lift Performance giveaway. The prospect of achieving the ultimate low stance with air suspension was appealing, but winning seemed improbable. “Winning was surreal. I didn’t ever consider that I would actually win the contest at all. There were so many awesome cars and people that entered, I still feel seriously lucky about winning.” Determined to make the most of this opportunity, Trevor quickly set about installing the air suspension kit. With the help of friends, the transformation was completed in a single afternoon. “It couldn’t have been more straight forward and easy. The quality of all the components and clarity of the instruction manuals was super professional. I now clearly see why these kits cost as much as they do because they really are top of the line.”
The new air suspension acted as a catalyst, pushing Trevor to finalize other aspects of the build. “I had some things I really wanted to do to the car but I was pretty happy with driving it how it was on coils. When I got the air on it became clear that I needed to get some of those things done ASAP.” While Trevor jokingly claims his Volkswagen Scirocco 1988 project will never be truly finished, it is closer than ever to his ultimate vision. Choosing a MK2 Scirocco as a project car is not the conventional path in the VW world, but for Trevor, it was the right choice. “Not many others in the VW world choose a Mk2 Scirocco as the basis for their project. I wouldn’t have either, but I’ve had it so long it felt right to make it what I really wanted it to be,” he reflects. “The easy route would be buying a Rabbit and searching a few minutes on VW Vortex to see what looks good and click ‘add to cart’. I’ve never been able to do that with this car which has been a curse, but in the end I have a car that no one else does.” Trevor’s decade of dedication is evident in every detail of his Scirocco, a unique and compelling testament to personal passion and the rewarding journey of a project car build.
