Have you always had a passion for cars?
Yes, literally from day one. I used to buy small Dinky cars every single day as a kid — my
poor parents… My four-year-old son does it to me now.
I have an extensive collection of 1:24 scale models. My favourite is a detailed 1:16 scale replica of a Lamborghini Gallardo which my son destroyed while trying to get the car airborne.
Plus I have also been into RC cars for almost 20 years now. I have about 16 ranging from on-road nitro to stadium trucks and buggies. It’s a bit easier on the pocket to modify 1:10 scale cars.
What cars in particular grab you?
The classic Porsche 933. I love those swooping curves. But I have owned several interesting cars; a 1994 Golf VR6, 2007 Mustang GT and a 2008 Golf GTI.
Right, tell us about your 1:1 scale collection.
I bought the A6 in 2009 with all the bells and whistles after I sold my Mustang to make space for a more mature, sensible daily drive. It was a surprise for my wife as she always preferred the luxury brands to hooligan sportscars. The Audi was in great condition and only had 42,000km on the clock.
I’ve since fitted it with a genuine ABT front lip, 19in ABT wheels, H&R springs, K&N filter
and a full red vinyl body wrap, while the rims are wrapped in matte black. The car was originally white.
The engine is the stock 252bhp 3.2-litre with enough grunt in Sports mode for daily spirited driving. I was shocked when I discovered the car had seven gears.
What do people think of the Audi?
The A6 gets noticed very often and turns heads. I think people mistake it for a newer model as that generation wasn’t available in bright red. I’ll never forget the look on my wife’s face when I surprised her after the makeover. I told her I had bought another car because I got bored of the white one.
What about the ‘Rado?
I bought it from a South African gentleman, and it was basically a birthday present to myself. I intended to strip the car and use it for track days, but it was in good condition with only a little wear and tear due to its age.
It has H&R coilovers, Samco hoses, front and rear strut braces, black ‘steelies’ with Nitto tyres and smoothed-out bodywork.
Tell us about the performance?
It’s truly breathtaking. The growl of the 187bhp 2.9-litre VR6 is amazing. It pulls like a train, with great torque in the lower revs and it runs like it’s on rails because of the suspension modifications.
What’s it like to drive around in Dubai, though?
The Corrado has achieved ‘classic’ status because of its ride quality. I believe there are only three or four good ones in Dubai.
But people don’t think much of it; it’s not an attention-grabber. I do love to see the look on their faces when I pull away from the lights though.
What is your dream car?
I’m usually onto my second dream before the first one is over. I prefer to have small dreams and achieve them quicker.
Bio
Name Samaj Angolkar
Job Associate design director at Hamilton International
From India
Wheels 2005 Audi A6 3.2 FSI, 1992 Volkswagen Corrado VR6
In Dubai Born and raised
