2003 Volkswagen Golf R32 'Turbocharged'
Bespoke build by marque specialist The Phirm

Registration No: PN53 FBL
Chassis No: WVWZZZ1JZ3D508840
MOT: August 2025

• Upgraded by Volkswagen specialists The Phirm, Surrey with a bespoke turbocharger installation
• Still retaining a very original look
• One of c.2,391 MkIV iterations of the R32
• Displaying a low mileage of some 54,518

By the time Volkswagen got to the MkIV version of the Golf GTI, it had got heavier and slower. Something clearly needed to be done. Behold, the entry of the Golf R32 in the last two years of MkIV production, and undoubtedly the flagship of the Golf MkIV range. Built for just a few years from 2002 to 2004, it was loosely based on the same running gear as the Audi TT 3.2 Quattro. According to mkivr32.com, some 2,391 MkIV versions of the R32 were produced for the UK market.

Rare in 2003, and even rarer to find today. The 3.2-litre V6 engine fitted to the R32, was a massively revised version of the perennial 2.8-litre V6 (née VR6) unit. The Golf is said to hit 60mph in a blink under 6.5 seconds and will only stop accelerating at 153mph. Rivals of the day included the Subaru Impreza and the original Ford Focus RS. The R32's design was more classless and more understated than them both. With subtle changes to the GTI looks, it is easy to spot an R32 from a plain GTI, it sits around 20mm lower, and then there is the addition of a body kit, with a roof spoiler and a large front bumper. Unique 18-inch multi-spoke alloys were fitted along with a bespoke exhaust. On the inside, body-hugging sports seats were fitted, ideal for when you were pressing on. Once again there was a hot Golf, ready to thrill and excite.

Which brings us to this rather special MkIV Golf R32, first registered on 6th September 2003, the vendor purchased the R32 in February 2008, with some 14,000 miles on the clock. Having owned a few Volkswagens over the years, he knew the VAG specialists The Phirm, in Surrey, and set about discussions about turbocharging the R32. There was an EIP turbo-kit sourced from the USA and The Phirm made plans for a bespoke fit. A number of parts were sourced at a cost in excess of £15,000. A further substantial amount was then spent on ceramic coating with a company called Zircotec, specialists in reducing temperatures under the bonnet. The alloys are standard but diamond-cut to give them a stunning look and shod with Goodyear F1s. Large AP Racing brakes were sourced and modified to fit the R32, at a cost of some £5,000. The main request on the conversion was to make it look 'factory OEM', so, to the untrained eye, the engine looks much like any other R32. Inside, the double DIN stereo was replaced to house 3 gauges with matching trim to blend with the rest of the cockpit.

The Phirm have looked after this car in our vendor's ownership. All in all, over £30,000 has been spent to get the R32 to the standard he wanted. The conversion took nearly a year to fully complete. All parts used were 'the best available' and with the timing chain replaced at c.37,000 miles, it now displays some 54,518 miles. Part of a small collection, the Golf is kept in a warm garage, only driven in sunny weather and never raced or tracked. It has covered some 35,000 miles since the modifications and serviced and MOT’d regardless of the mileage. There's a current V5, a comprehensive service history, receipts for works done, old MOTs, the bookpack and 2 keys.

For more information, please contact:
Baljit Atwal
baljit.atwal@handh.co.uk
07943 584762