Ted D.’s Mk4: A Family Affair
Customer Ted D.’s Factory Five Mk4 Roadster is truly a family car. Ted shared his family’s build story saying, “I’m thrilled to share a personal update on my family’s Mk4 Roadster build. I achieved a heartfelt goal – driving my kids, Robert, Genevieve and Beatrix to and from school in our Mk4. For me a huge part of my decision to do this build, and start it when I did, was family driven. I wanted my children be part of building this car at a young age, and grow up remembering both the car and their involvement. I made sure that they had as many opportunities as possible to put their hands on and participate in the build. When my daughters couldn’t sleep they would come down to the garage and help me build it.
Personally, my aim was to create a pure and responsive driver’s car, while capturing all the right sounds and vibrations that stir the soul. As an engineer, I seized the chance to integrate numerous products and concepts that had piqued my interest over the years. The car boasts a 351W engine with a MicroSquirt ECU, individual throttle body EFI, a lightweight aluminum flywheel, Ford EDIS ignition, and an Isky solid flat tappet cam that gives it a delightful lopey idle and sound. Paired with a TKO transmission, 3-link rear with 3.73 gears, and unique features like heated seats, air conditioning with an electric compressor, manual steering and brakes, and an electric water pump.
Remarkably, the car started on the first try with a tune, and surpassed all my goals while maintaining excellent road manners. My wife and kids love it, and the best part, (aside from how happy it makes my kids to ride in) is seeing the smiles of other kids; jumping up and down, pointing and waving when they see it. Best of all, my kids get to tell people, ‘I helped build that.'”
Check out the first drive and other build progression videos here.
