VOLKSWAGEN’S first-generation Caddy ute launched in 1979 and quickly earned a cult following worldwide. Built on the same platform as the iconic Golf and packing a range of small-displacement four-cylinder donks, the Brumby fighter was far from a performance powerhouse in its day. While Poland’s Adam Mucha can no longer cart chickens in the back of his Caddy, it’s now a whole lot faster thanks to a mid-mounted Audi V8.

Adam is the owner-operator of FLY Garage and has built several classic VWs. He began his career as an industrial design student, though he soon abandoned the study in favour of customising classic vehicles. The Caddy came into his possession as a stock vehicle, albeit one racked by rust. Initial plans involved keeping the stock 1.6-litre diesel and fitting some USDM parts, but Adam soon changed his mind and kicked off a year-long build process.

The ute now runs a 286hp (213kW) 4.2-litre V8 pillaged from a C5-generation A6 sedan. Speaking to Polish YouTube channel Wheel With It, Adam says the engine was equal in cost to a rebuilt VW 1.6. The intake manifold was painted by Adam’s young daughter, while the custom, quad-tipped exhaust draws inspiration from the Pagani Zonda. It’s backed by a six-speed manual gearbox. To aid weight distribution, the fuel tank and radiator rest under the bonnet.

Adam created the suspension and undercarriage set-ups using a variety of parts. The front shocks are from a Ford Ka, while front and rear brakes come from an Opel Insignia and a Mercedes W140, respectively. It all bolts up to a custom chassis.

Adam initially ran a set of C4 Corvette ‘sawblade’ wheels on the Caddy, though it now wears three-piece, centre-lock Gotti wheels, apparently sourced from an 80s Le Mans racer.

While the bodywork appears to be mostly stock, the cab section is based on a MkI Golf Cabriolet, which came factory-reinforced to improve rigidity. The now-defunct fuel filler was rigged to open backwards via a remote trigger, to function as an air intake for the V8.

The monochromatic interior features a rollcage, hydraulic handbrake and bucket seats, which formed the basis for the Caddy’s exterior finish. There’s also a tablet integrated into the dash offering extra readouts next to the analogue speedo and tacho.

The Caddy was finished about about years ago, and you can keep up with its travels on the FLY Garage Instagram page.