- Although known mostly for its wild Corvettes, Callaway turbocharged all kinds of cars in the 1980s.
- That includes the second-generation Volkswagen GTI.
- This 1985 example boasts fresh paint, an ’80s-tastic body kit, and a power-to-weight ratio that’s still impressive today.
For most people, Callaway is a brand most familiar for its large array of golfing equipment. Founded by Ely Callaway in 1982, it built its reputation on oversized drivers that could send the ball long. However, Ely's son Reeves Callaway was interested in drivers of another sort, which leads us to a completely different Golf.
Fore! This Callaway turbocharged Volkswagen GTI on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos) is a gem of 1980s-style tuning. Running 10 psi of boost for a peppy 150 horsepower, this little red hatchback was an absolute rocket back in its day, and at just over 2300 pounds, it still offers a very punchy power-to-weight ratio.
GTIs have been wearing turbochargers for several generations now, but back in the 1980s, power was provided by a modest 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. No big deal, as the original GTI was all about doing more with less, but the second-generation car that arrived in 1985 was more grown up and polished, and perhaps a little less swift because of it.
