Dan Hawke’s stanced Mk2 Fiat Punto on air ride
We all have to start somewhere, and more often than not, we don’t get things right first time. Whether it’s your first fiddle with a bra strap, passing your driving test, or in this case, your first crack at modding a car, it all takes time to perfect. But, as long as you learn from it, you can come back stronger and better.
That’s exactly what Dan Hawke has done. “I always wanted to modify a car,” says the 25-year-old joiner, “and I must admit, I made it a bit chavy to start with,” he laughs.
The cheap multi-spoke rims and other bits did his Punto no favours at all. Fortunately, he didn’t leave it like that for long. “I joined the Punto Mk2 forum and got loads of inspiration from other members,”comments Dan. After some careful research, he began the little Italian’s makeover.
“I took it to a bodyshop to get the bumper and mirrors colour-coded,” he says. “I then got an Abarth rear bumper, and had the bonnet, boot and front bumper smoothed,” he adds. With things looking far more respectable, he headed to Mod Nats, but he wasn’t satisfied. “I wanted to be at a level where everyone noticed the car,” he says.
“My mate is mad into his Dubs, so he found me the ATS Cups,” recalls Dan. They were in a proper state, but nothing a trip to Pristine Alloys couldn’t fix. “They diamond turned them and redrilled the centre bore so they’d fit,” says a very pleased Dan. “I then fitted some coilovers, rolled the arches and got a nice stance,” he says.
With things progressing nicely, Dan decided to go all out. “I sold my install to fund air-ride,” he explained. “I stripped it all down in my garage, fitted the bags, and my mate resprayed it for me.” With a full drop on air, those ATS Cups look sweet as a nut, tucked up in the Punto’s arches.
Next up, the interior was fettled. “I fitted Alfa 147 leather seats as they bolt straight in,” confirms Dan. “My mate who does fibreglassing, smoothed the dash and then it was flocked.” With the pillars and roof lining covered in tasty suede, the interior is now more supercar than shopping car. Tidy.
So after a false start that’s best forgotten, full marks to Dan the man for raising his game with this sweet take on a Punto. Nice work fella!
TECH SPEC Mk2 FIAT PUNTO
STYLING
OEM front bumper smoothed; Abarth rear bumper and sideskirts smoothed; tailgate, fuel filler cap and scuttle panel all smoothed; bonnet extended and smoothed; colour-coded mirrors; locks, handles and badges all removed and smoothed; Angel Eye headlights; Mk.2 rear lights; smoked repeaters; single wiper; tinted sun strip; resprayed red.
CHASSIS
15-inch diamond turned ATS Cups with 165/55×15 stretched tyres; 20mm spacers all round; rear camber adjusted; air-ride.
INTERIOR
Most of interior flocked including dash, glovebox with dial holder, floor & rear door cards; smoothed front door cards; suede A, B and C pillars; suede roof lining; CC centre console and screen holder; CC air tank; Richbrook gearknob; Sparco pedals; Alfa 147 black leather seats; Audi TT air vents; custom screen housing.
AUDIO
Sony headunit with screen and Phoenix Gold components in doors.
