Ten years ago, Tobais Aldirch came across what remained of a MK1 Jetta coupe; it sat nestled in the grass of a yard in rural Vermont — parked next to it was a MK1 Rabbit GTI. The old Jetta sat without an engine or driveline; its interior had been stripped, and many parts had been donated to the GTI it sat with. However, Tobi saw a diamond in the rough.

Air ride, 3 piece wheels, and flawless paintwork: the recipe for a “proper” car. A laundry-list of parts and a serious investment (combined with good taste, of course) typically end up in a noteworthy build, but every so often a car comes around that has somehow broken the mold; built with second hand parts, lucky finds and pure character. Case in point: Alex’s 1984 E28.

There’s something special behind every build, despite who is getting their hands dirty. Be it the idea, the work, or simply the way the car comes together, there are few things better than seeing a dream become reality. The team at Union HZ has put together a short documentary showcasing one very unique build, and we couldn’t be more excited to share “The Real Thing.

While seemingly every automotive aftermarket company builds at least one project car every year, few can compete with our friends at Rotiform. Brian and Jason have made a name for themselves, pumping out unique, attention grabbing cars faster than most car guys could dream of.

The current trend on modern chassis seems to be taking the stock, generic form that rolls off the assembly line, and crafting it to one’s specific taste. Changing bumpers, lights, and spoilers are usually the big alterations included in transforming the car to a completely new look; however, when you talk to a guy who is immersed in the Euros of yester-year, it’s all about small tweaks.