From Granny Spec to Show-Stopper: Michael Fitzgerald’s 2004 Opel Corsa Lite

My name is Michael Fitzgerald, I’m 33 years old, and I’m proudly based in Pretoria. I’m also an Admin Member of Blacksheepcrew_SA, and through my Instagram page @mikestickerscrew_corsa, I share videos and highlights from the shows and events we attend as a crew. Cars have always been more than transport for me—they’re a lifestyle, a passion, and a reflection of personality.

The Car That Started It All

My pride and joy is a 2004 Opel Corsa Lite, finished in silver. The car currently sits at around 180,000 km, with a full service history to back it up. I bought the Corsa when it had just 70,000 km on the clock, making me only the second owner. Back then, it was a pure “granny spec” daily—but I had a vision to turn it into something that truly represented my style.

Built to My Taste

The transformation has been done step by step over the years, always keeping the balance between clean looks, performance sound, and daily drivability.

Build highlights include:

  • Banana branch manifold, heat-wrapped for performance and engine bay aesthetics

  • Stainless-steel free-flow exhaust with a steel tip

  • 15-inch A-Line rims, giving the car a timeless stance

  • Custom seat covers, while keeping the rest of the interior fully original

  • A full respray, bringing the silver back to life and show condition

Serious Sound, Serious Results

Where this Corsa really sets itself apart is in the sound department. The setup includes:

  • 2 × 12” Pioneer Championship Series subs (1400W)

  • 0-gauge wiring setup, with an additional 8-gauge wiring on the subs

  • Official SPL certification of 140.9 dB, proving it’s not just loud—it’s competition-ready

A Trophy-Winning Daily

Over the years, this humble Corsa has earned me almost 40 trophies, competing in Show & Shine events as well as SPL sound competitions. What makes it even more special is that this isn’t a trailer queen—it’s my daily driver. Rain or shine, shows or workdays, the Corsa is always on the road.

More Than Just a Car

This build is a reflection of dedication, patience, and passion. Every modification tells a story, every trophy represents countless hours of work, and every drive reminds me why I started. From granny spec to award-winning show car, this 2004 Opel Corsa Lite proves that with vision and commitment, even the simplest platform can become something truly unforgettable.