We've got a rear bumper, but the wrong front, so we're still waiting to have a complete car. Still, the hood and trunk lid are painted and installed, and the last of the mechanical odds and ends have been addressed. There are still a few exterior trim pieces to tend to, and we'll have that done for next time.

Next week the car is off to the upholsterer for a new top, and then after we get the Porsche D90 wheels mounted up tires, we'll get them on the car for an even more finished look.

So close now...

The Cabrio has been nearly completed for a couple of months, with the main hold-up being a wait on some European bumpers as well as a new convertible top.

The VR6 swap is complete and the car now runs, drives and sounds a lot less "girlie" than before. We already know that some people don't understand the appeal of performance-oriented Golf Cabrio, but all we can offer those people as an explanation is that there's something very special about the sound of a VR6 engine coming from such a harmless-looking vehicle, and the top-down experience is enhanced by an equal amount.

We still have a little wet-sanding to do as well as painting a pair of bumpers once they (finally) arrive. The car will soon make it over to the upholstery shop for a top swap and then it's time to deliver it to its very patient owner.

Pics coming soon.