Volkswagen may have created the hot hatchback with its Golf GTI, but by the turn of the 1990s the Golf Mk 2 was getting on a bit and the trend among hot hatch fans was for smaller, lighter cars.
Fitting the Golf 16v engine into the Polo wasn’t an option, so VW tried something completely different. The Polo G40 used a twin-chamber supercharger to dial up the power, and it was close on both power and price to the Peugeot 205 GTI when new.
Today, it’s a bit of an anomaly. A very cool car, but an oddball one that’s rarely seen on the market. That makes this one a great opportunity – a fabulous, unrestored G40 in the best colour, and with stacks of pedigree.
Supplied new to Shrewsbury VW in Shropshire as a demonstrator, it even comes with its original PDI sheet. It has been in the same family for the past 12 years and was bought by the vendor from his son-in-law to help fund a house deposit. It’s now for sale to fund an extension.
At some stage in its life the Polo’s original cloth interior was replaced by a bespoke two-tone black and red leather theme. It’s smart and neatly done, with high quality materials.
Otherwise, it’s all standard right down to the original radio-cassette, the only other addition being a boost gauge by the gear shift.
It’s in smart condition with no cracks to the dashboard or on the door trims, a clean and tidy headlining and original VW rubber accessory mats.
Given that it has covered over 100,000 miles the condition of the Polo is astonishing, especially when you consider it has never been restored. It has clearly always been a well-loved car as the Tornado Red paint is still terrific.
There are a few very tiny blemishes up close, as can be seen in the photos. A small rust bubble on the front scuttle, some tiny spots on the doors and a coupe, of paint chips on the wing tips, a couple of 5p-sized dents and some surface rust on the inner tailgate but nothing alarming at all.
Under the bonnet, there are a few mods, the most noticeable of which s the front strut brace, there to assist with the increased power output of the car thanks to an upgraded supercharger. It was dyno-tested a few years ago to 126bhp. It also has silicon hoses and a sports exhaust system.
It sounds fantastic and is reported by the vendor as being huge fun to drive, with great performance and handling.
It has been impeccably maintained throughout its life, as evidenced by the pile of bills and invoices that come with the car. It has an MOT until July 2023, and the minor advisories on its most recent test have already been addressed by the vendor.
Wow! Here’s your opportunity to get your hands on one of the best and most unusual small hot hatches of the 1990s, presented in wonderful unrestored condition. It’s a fabulous little thing, brilliantly preserved and modified in such a subtle way that it adds to rather than detracts from its appeal. It’s great!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1991 Volkswagen Polo G40
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