2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: A Rare VW Masterpiece
Read about Phillip Pullen’s meticulously built 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, featuring a rare Oettinger kit and period-correct modifications. A true homage to Volkswagen's performance.
TreyColemanPhotos
Use The Share Buttons Above The Image To Share This Story On Socials
Order Your Printed Car Magazine From Our TikTok, Amazon or Etsy Stores!!
Phillip Pullen
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Instagram: @pm_phillip
Photographer: Trey Coleman
Instagram: @trey.coleman.photos
Performance Stats: 215hp and 247 ft/lb torque
Who is Phillip Pullen?
A Volkswagen Enthusiast and Business Owner
Phillip Pullen, a self-proclaimed Volkswagen nerd, is based in Louisville, Kentucky, where he owns and operates one of the fastest-growing Euro/Import shops in the state, Pullen Motors. Phillip's passion for cars spans decades, with a particular love for the Volkswagen brand. He’s not just passionate about building cars—he’s embedded in the local car scene and travels across the U.S. to attend shows. Phillip's extensive car collection includes not only his beloved 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI but also a Polo Harlekin imported from Belgium, a 2008 Audi TT with a 3.2 VR6, and a 2019 Audi S5.
Phillip’s First Taste of Car Culture
The Beginning with a 1987 Mazda RX-7
Phillip’s journey into car culture began at the young age of 14 when he purchased a 1987 Mazda RX-7. The purchase was inspired by a childhood friend whose father owned the same model, instilling a sense of admiration in Phillip. He bought the car for just $300 using money he earned cutting grass, and, alongside his dad, worked tirelessly to get it roadworthy. Once it was ready, he began taking the RX-7 to school, car meets, and local shows, where he quickly realized the impact and importance of his build. That RX-7 ignited a passion for cars and the car scene that would shape his career and life.
The Build: 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
A Special Edition with a Rare Oettinger Kit
Phillip’s 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is far from ordinary. Originally equipped with factory Recaro seats, brushed aluminum interior trim, a factory lip kit, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, this car had a solid foundation. But Phillip, as someone who enjoys doing things others wouldn’t think of, took it further.
The centerpiece of this build is the incredibly rare Oettinger kit. For those unfamiliar, Oettinger is to Volkswagen what Mugen is to Honda—a performance company that has produced custom parts for VW since the MK1. The kit includes a front lip, side skirts, rear valance, rear trunk wing, upper windshield spoiler, door sill trim, floor mats, and more. This particular kit wasn’t easy to acquire; Phillip spent two years sourcing each piece from various locations.
The car also features BC Racing coilovers, Hella clear tail lights, a custom heckblende on the Euro-imported trunk lid, and a full APR tuning catalog from the early 2000s. The modifications include a 3-inch downpipe, a full exhaust system, a Stage 1 tune, and a carbon fiber bumper-mounted intake. The goal was to create a period-correct build that pays homage to the early 2000s VW tuning scene, while modern 3-piece Rotiform wheels add a contemporary touch.
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Build List:
-
Engine/Drivetrain: 1.8 turbocharged engine, factory 6-speed manual transmission, Southbend clutch, full APR catalog including a Stage 1 tune, intake, full exhaust with a 3-inch downpipe.
-
Exterior: Oettinger full kit, FK bumper vents, Euro trunk, Hella clear tail lights, custom heckblende.
-
Wheels/Suspension: Custom 3-piece Rotiform wheels, BC Racing BR coilovers, drilled and slotted rotors with factory calipers.
What Makes This Jetta GLI Unique?
The Rarity of the Oettinger Kit
The most significant factor that sets this Jetta GLI apart is the Oettinger kit, which was rare even when it was first released. Each part was painstakingly tracked down and installed by Phillip himself, adding a level of dedication that few can rival. The fact that this kit is fitted to an already special GLI edition makes it even more unique.
This GLI also stands out due to its incredibly low mileage. With just 55,000 miles on the odometer, it’s a pristine example of a Jetta from the mid-2000s—almost like stepping back in time to experience a brand-new MK4.
Driving the Jetta GLI
A Thrill Behind the Wheel
Despite its period-correct modifications, Phillip’s Jetta GLI packs a surprising punch. The tuned 1.8 turbo engine, paired with the factory 6-speed manual transmission, delivers 215 horsepower and 247 ft/lb of torque. While these may not seem like astronomical numbers, the car’s lightweight body and responsive handling make it a joy to drive.
Phillip describes the experience as akin to driving a brand-new MK4—a feeling few Volkswagen enthusiasts can replicate today. Whether cruising down highways or navigating city streets, the Jetta GLI exudes character and brings immense satisfaction to its owner.
Future Plans for the Jetta GLI
Shaving the Engine Bay and Going Bigger
While Phillip’s Jetta GLI is already a masterpiece, the journey doesn’t stop here. His future plans include shaving the engine bay for a cleaner look and possibly upgrading to a big turbo setup with a custom manifold. He also has thoughts of bagging the car, giving it even more stance at shows.
Who Helped Bring This Build to Life?
The Team Behind the Build
Phillip is proud to say he did most of the work himself, running the build out of his shop, Pullen Motors, in Louisville, Kentucky. However, some key people contributed to making this build a reality. Trey Coleman handled the stunning photo shoot, while Chris Deezy and Louisville Collision Center took care of the paintwork. Phillip also gives a shoutout to Tyler Simmons, who playfully “bullied” him into making more radical modifications, and, of course, his wife, Taylor, for her constant support.
Phillip’s Dream Car
A Barn-Find RX-7
While the Jetta GLI holds a special place in Phillip’s heart, his dream car is his 1995 Mazda RX-7 with just 20,000 original miles. This car was a true barn find and represents the culmination of Phillip’s journey into car culture, starting with his first RX-7 at 14. We can only hope to see more of this RX-7 in future features.
Shout Outs
Acknowledging the Crew
Phillip extends heartfelt thanks to his friends and colleagues who helped bring the Jetta GLI to life:
-
Trey Coleman for the stunning photography
-
Chris Deezy for the paintwork
-
Louisville Collision Center for their craftsmanship
-
Tyler Simmons for being a constant motivator
-
His wife Taylor, for supporting his passion and putting up with the endless car parts!
-
The team at Pullen Motors
Conclusion: A Jetta GLI for the Ages
Phillip Pullen’s 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a testament to dedication, creativity, and an unrelenting passion for the Volkswagen brand. It’s a build that combines rare period-correct parts with modern touches, creating something truly unique.
If you're inspired by Phillip’s story and build, or if you have your own story to share, we encourage you to submit your car stories and comments for a chance to be featured in Stance Auto Magazine!
Useful Links for Further Reading and Backlinking:
Footnote: If you have a unique car story like this, we’d love to hear it! Share your build and journey with us in the comments or submit your feature story to be part of our next issue.
Please leave your comments on my story in the comments section at the bottom of the page, it helps the story get more views and reach the Printed Car Magazine, Thank you.
Take A Car Quiz: So you think you know all about Cars prove it.
Do you Need A Freelance Photographer? Our Photographers Are Available For Hire
UKTM no: UK00003572459
