Now recognised as a fast appreciating classic, and with a growing cult following, these “breadvan” shape Polos are becoming hard to find, especially in as nice condition as this example.
They were regarded as reliable and practical when compared to the competition in period, and have proved themselves over time to be the best in their class, outlasting all the BL Metro, Renault 5 and Fiat Uno competitors!
They are simple, easy to work on and have great parts availability.
With values of the best examples leading the way this one could prove to be a sound and entertaining investment.DSC_0023.JPG900.16 KB
History and Paperwork
Registered to first owner October 1989
Bought by the seller from first owner and family friend in 1991
Owned by the same husband and wife for 31 years
Fully documented history of owners
Exceptionally well cared for and always garaged
Regular Dealer servicing, last in August 2021
Service book with 23 stamps
Lots of old MoTs
Large file of invoices and history of work from new
One of the great features of these Polos is the simple interior with hard wearing materials. In this example the fabric upholstery has aged well, with just a few marks that will clean easily to be perfect.
The rear seat looks to have never been used, although the seller tells us his grandchildren have enjoyed the odd journey in the Polo. The carpets have spent their life protected beneath factory floor mats front and rear so they are as new.
All the plastic is similarly perfect, with no damage, probably due to a life spent garaged away from the sunlight. The instruments are all clear, and the switchgear all appears to function correctly. The ashtray has never seen any ash, and the lighter has never been used.
There are no marks on the sun visors; in fact they still look new.
The simple glass roof operated correctly with no sign of leaks on the roof lining.
Originally the Polo would have had a Blaupunkt radio/cassette fitted, but this was replaced with a higher spec Pioneer version many years ago.
The boot area is completely original, with tools, spare wheel, correct floor mat etc. all in like new condition. We noted that the tailgate gas struts were a little tired , but should be easy to replace.
Although not perfect it would not take more than a few hours effort make the interior as clean and presentable as the day it was delivered.
The exterior shows only minor, mostly aged related, wear.
The silver paint has a good shine over most panels but there are some areas that could be improved. It appears that the passenger side rear quarter panel has either been repainted at some time, or the paint has flattened, as it lacks the shine of the rest of the car.
There is a little light surface corrosion around the very edge of the front wing surrounding the headlight on the driver’s side. This looks like it may be down to thin paint coverage when new.
There are a few nicks and chips here and there, and one small dent on the driver’s door. Apart from some areas that would benefit from a good polish, we couldn’t see any areas of the body that require any attention at all!
The steel wheels have the standard plastic hubcaps fitted, and all show some degree of curb damage. This is normal for these Polos as the hubcap projects beyond the tyre so nearly all get scraped. They are however easy to replace.
The tyres are matching Michelins on all wheels, showing light wear.
Even the original supplying dealer sticker from Pooles of Fareham is present in the rear window without any creasing or sun damage!
Having been regularly serviced, well maintained and always garaged the Polo is in mechanically fine condition.
Opening the bonnet reveals a completely original and genuine engine sitting in a slightly grubby but sound engine bay. There is a little surface corrosion to metal parts as you might expect, and the odd stain and mark here and there, but nothing that looks out of place or would be cause for concern.
It started and ran sweetly when we visited, and has only covered 436 miles since its last service. It had work to the brakes in August 2021 plus a new ignition sensor installed in 2020 and it has been used sparingly since.
In the past 31 years the seller tells us his wife used it mainly for local trips, and rarely further than the town of Arundel which is only a dozen miles away.
If this Polo appeals you’ll be unlikely be disappointed with it. It is a genuine, two owner, fully serviced, always garaged gem.
They are becoming increasingly sought after, and in this condition, extremely rare.
Notice to bidders
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