RESTORATION MAN
Words: Elliott Roberts
Photos: Nick Williams
Martin Barker is no stranger to these pages, neither are his weird and wonderful automotive reworkings. His latest, a RestoMod’d two-door Audi 80 from the mid-’80s, has got be our favourite yet.
We’ve always been drawn to cars modified in a more subtle fashion. Big, brash and garish just doesn’t do it for us. We’re far more into cars that keep delivering the more you walk around them and start to delve a little deeper inside. Martin Barker’s latest creation is the perfect example. While ‘less’ may appear to be ‘more’ on first inspection, you soon begin to realise there is far more going on behind that near stock bodywork than meets the eye – far more than a nice set of rims with a killer stance.
It’s safe to say there has been something of a run recently of old-skool barn-find cars that have been unearthed, given the once over, MoT’d, bagged with a nice set of wheels then job done. Now don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s great to see old cars given a new lease of life. However, from a magazine article point of view, the story can begin to get a bit repetitive or boring after a while. Thankfully the project we’re here to talk about today is a little bit more involved. Okay, a whole heap more.
As with most of Martin’s cars there’s far more going on behind the scenes than first meets the eyes. You only need clock the size of the spec panel to appreciate exactly what has gone into the RestMod makeover of his 1985 two-door(typ81), 1.6-litre, automatic Audi 80.
Imported from Germany in 2007 the poor thing can’t have known quite what hit it after Martin and its original UK-owner (non-other than Steve Denton of Stylehaus fame) got their hands on it. After quite some time under the knife, it appears the modding stick has been kind to this 30-year-old classic which has been brought up-to-date in the most complimentary way possible.
It’s certainly not been a straightforward build or a quick one for that matter but makes for one hell of a story. We give Martin a good grilling to find out exactly what it takes to create a labour of love such as this. We also ask the more important question: having created something so unique and complete, what sort of mindset does it take to sell it on once complete? Yes, he’s only gone and sold it!
Martin Barker – PVW Q&As
PVW: Hey Martin, hope you’re well. It’s been a while since we last featured one of your cars (PVW 3/12, in fact). What have you been up to since then?
Martin Barker: Settling down. Bought a new house and started a family! My daughter, Ada Molly, was born the following year. I’ve also spent quite a lot of time in the garage finishing the Audi ready for Wörthersee 2015.
PVW: I think at the time we ran your rail buggy you also still owned the Mk1 Scirocco you’re probably best known for, plus the car we’re here to talk about today. Bit of a hoarder, are we?