• Volkswagen partnered with Bon Jovi to create the special edition 1996 Golf Variant GLI.
• Features include unique badging, special alloy wheels, and offered Bon Jovi goodies like a unique keychain and CD.
• The recognizable automotive auction site, Bring A Trailer, attracted a crowd when the Volkswagen was posted for auction.
• Daniel Orlando modified this Volkswagen in an OEM plus fashion, opting for a set of BBS wheels and AirLift suspension to help enhance the car’s appearance.

Volkswagen has a history of creating special edition models that capture the essence of pop culture. These unique collaborations have always turned heads, from the Beetle Barbie Edition to the Golf Harlequin. During this time, neon underglow lights, loud paint schemes, and crazy body kits had the car modification scene in a trance as people wanted to stand out in some of the most unique ways. This is why when I saw Daniel Orlando drive into our Cars and Coffee Season Opener, I knew I had to talk about it.

AT ITS CORE

The well-known German automotive company sponsored three high-profile rock bands for a European tour in the 1990s and decided to produce special-edition cars to help promote them. Only 1000 of the Bon Jovi editions were made exclusively for the Japanese market, making it the rarest (AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE).

The GLI Bon Jovi edition came with more factory features than any other Golf of its time, including a unique keychain, a Bon Jovi CD, special decals, and various other add-ons to distinguish it from other models. Nonetheless, when comparing it to a regular Golf MKIII, they are virtually identical. Besides being the rarest of the bunch, this model was also considered the tamest.

A BARGAIN

Automotive enthusiasts scour the internet for deals and hidden gems that the standard shopper may not know about. Daniel Orlando’s next build was on Bring A Trailer. The recognizable automotive auction site is known for bringing unique and rare vehicles to the public, and when the Bon Jovi edition appeared, the post brought in quite a crowd. With 645 watchers, 30,653 views, and 27 bids, Orlando battled his way to the top and emerged victorious amongst the crowd. The cherry on top of the cake was that he purchased the Volkswagen for $8,700. It goes to show you can’t sleep on auction sites.

SIMPLE UPGRADES

Unlike its contemporaries, you could argue that Volkswagen slapped on a Bon Jovi decal on the Golf and called it a day and honestly, from first impressions, I could agree with them. But today, it’s easy to appreciate just how perfect the MKIII body lines were. To Orlando’s credit, not much needed to change and his commitment to the factory appearance was a refreshing change from the masses of VW owners who go one step too far.

Orlando only made a few changes to the Golf Variant. Many enthusiasts appreciate his commitment to keeping this rare special edition close to its original state. The tasteful modifications—swapping to BBS Strosek wheels, installing Air Lift suspension, and upgrading the stock calipers to Porsche parts—enhance the car’s appeal without overshadowing its unique heritage.

LESS IS MORE

There’s been a unique shift towards subtlety in recent years. That’s not to say extravagant modifications are a thing of the past; there has been a rise in OEM plus builds lately. When exploring Orlando’s Volkswagen, I noticed I had a different appreciation for the craftsmanship put into the build. Keeping the Fjord Blue, fabric Party Sport seats, and the powertrain virtually stock shows praise to the well-built Volkswagen.

The balance between personalized upgrades and admiration for the stock form pays homage to the era that thoughtfully crafted this vehicle. When looking back at Daniel Orlando’s build, it reminds us that sometimes less can be more.

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