A MAN who restored a classic mark one Volkswagen Golf GTI has had a model of his car made by renowned manufacturer Corgi Cars.
Simon McNamara, 33, spent five years and an 'unmentionable' amount of money restoring the car having owned it for 12 years.
The car, famed for being the first in a generation of popular fast hatchbacks, is revered by enthusiasts around the world.
He said: "It's what's known as a 'hot hatch' and spawned a lot of boy racers back in the 1980s. The 80s is quite popular at the moment so we have been in demand."
Simon's car was spotted by Corgi when he was at Birmingham Classic Car Show.
He said: "I had a phone call asking if I'd mind them doing a model of my car. It was the ultimate compliment, but I never expected that they would actually put my registration on it - it's exactly the same colour too."
Simon, a plumber who lives on Wood Walk, picked up his passion for VWs from his uncle who ran a club dedicated to the German marque in Sheffield.
"I wouldn't want to add up how much I've spent on my car - I've got a box with all the receipts in, but it's not about money," added Simon.
