Summary:
- Timeless car accessories
- Peugeot 205 GTI fender flares
- Suzuki Vitara fender flares
- VW Golf fender flares
1. Timeless car accessories
Designed for racing, the fender flares are becoming trendy
It is a very trendy car accessory nowadays, and yet the wheel arch extension appeared decades ago. Closely linked to the world of racing, these fender flares are favored by many manufacturers who do not hesitate to offer a range of models with different shapes to meet all desires.
With such a wide variety of products available in the burgeoning customization market, one might almost forget that these accessories have also been installed on many of the standard consumer vehicles, be they sports cars, off-roaders or even SUVs.
Manifacturers have used fender flares for their vehicles in order to install larger tyres at a lower cost and/or to protect the body from various projections.
From a purely functional accessory, the extension has become over time a design and trendy piece, sometimes even offered as an option by manufacturers.
Some examples of fender flares for enthusiasts
There are currently wheel arch extensions strictly identical to the standard pieces on the market, but also specific products reserved for use in competition or universal parts. These accessories are highly sought after for a repair, a restoration or a customization or tuning project.
Fender flares for Peugeot 205 GTI, Suzuki Vitara and Volkswagen Golf are currently among the most requested by enthusiasts.
2. Peugeot 205 GTI fender flares
The Peugeot 205, one of the most popular French cars, has become an icon thanks to its GTI version. Introduced in 1984, this small 3-door sports car has undergone several evolutions during its career. In terms of engines, it was launched with a 1.6 L 105 hp engine, which was increased to 115 hp in 1986. That same year, the 1.9 model was added to the range, producing 130 hp, then 122 in 1993, shortly before the end of the 205 GTI marketing.
Apart from its peppy engines, the little lioness from Sochaux was distinguished by a specific sporty equipment, including a body kit with plastic arch extensions. These, which could also be found on the CTI convertible models, were accompanied by bumpers and side strips with a sporty red border. They were attached with clips and spacers.
Today, the most sought after fender flares by customers are the strictly OEM versions, mainly available second-hand. There are also new products from remanufacturing. The GTI model is not the only one to interest Peugeot enthusiasts, fender flares for 205 5-door or 205 Rallye are also frequently requested.
The 205 is also a car that goes very well with large body kits. Some cars have marked their time, such as the 205 Maxi used in rallying or the legendary 205 Dimma with its distinctive bulging fenders.
3. Suzuki Vitara fender flares
Since its launch in 1988, the Suzuki Vitara has been a very popular recreative off-road vehicle. Declined in 4 generations, renamed for a time Grand Vitara, it went from a robust and sober 4×4 to a comfortable and versatile off-roader. Initially available with a part-time 4-wheel drive, it was later upgraded to a permanent all-wheel drive system. Over the course of its career, it has received gasoline, diesel and hybrid engines.
Almost every generation of the Vitara/Grand Vitara has featured production models with fender flares. These accessories, which are almost inseparable from the Japanese 4×4’s identity as an adventurer, are very popular, regardless of the vehicle’s use. For off-roading, you’ll opt for prominent fender flares, while for simply embellishing the 4×4 look, you’ll choose thinner parts.
If the Vitara fender flares are sought after, other Suzuki off-roaders such as the Samurai, SX4 and Jimny also fit this type of accessories very well. You can find parts to glue, bolt or rivet that are more or less faithful to the standard extensions found on these vehicles. For those who like a broader style, tuners such as Liberty Walk or WALD offer more aggressive kits ideal for transforming the look of the brand’s 4x4s.
4. VW Golf fender flares
When we talk about fender flares and the Volkswagen Golf, we immediately think of the GTI. Born in 1976, the German vehicle revolutionized the world of small sports cars and thrilled generations of enthusiasts thanks to its unrivaled price/performance ratio. This Golf I GTI hosted several engines, from the initial 1.6 L 110 hp to the 1.8 L 112 hp. Its replacement, the Golf 2 GTI, offered the 1.8 L 112 hp then the 1.8 L 16V 139 hp, without forgetting the GTI G60 160 hp. The Golf 3 GTI followed with its 2.0 L 115 and 150 hp.
The following generations kept the iconic red outline on their grilles but gave up the arch extensions. However, the GTI is not the only Golf to have received these devices. The Cabrio, GT, GTD, Country and VR6 models, among others, have also benefited from fender flares to beef up their silhouette.
This type of accessory can be combined with other aerodynamic parts such as a front lip or a spoiler to complete the sporty look of your VW Golf. Some manufacturers have also produced specific wide body kits or fender flares for these small German sports cars, such as Rieger, Kerscher, or more recently Ingo Noak and Pandem/Rocket Bunny.
Photo credits: Peugeot / Simca / Suzuki / Volkswagen / Dimma / Liberty Walk / More Than More