1991 Volkswagen Polo G40 – Project Profile

Some cars, despite being bloody brilliant, can unfortunately get overshadowed by more screamy, shouty, en vogue models, slipping under the radar all the while putting in a solid performance across the board. Like the unassuming, humble boxer, quietly racking up wins bout after bout by being technically excellent, going the distance and winning on points as oppose to the brash, flashy knockout expert who despite a less stellar record overall often grabs the headlines for sheer punching power or ring antics. In the world of hot hatches there is one such car, living quietly in the shade of the big dogs like the Peugeot 205 and Golf GTIs. And that car, ladies and gentlemen, is the Volkswagen Polo G40.

Here was a hot hatch that got all of the ingredients spot on. It was small, lightweight at well under a tonne all in and came equipped with a short-ratio, five-speed gearbox and 1.3-litre supercharged engine delivering 113bhp, which may not seem all that impressive today but the Polo G40 is very much a case of 2+2=5. Named for the shape of said ‘G-Lader’ scroll-type supercharger, the G40 was capable of a 0-60mph dash of a fraction over eight seconds and top speed of 119mph, all without the lag inherent in other forced induction hot hatches like the Renault 5 Turbo. Power comes in low down and continues linearly, too, making it an incredibly nippy number.

The story of the Polo follows the usual reluctant-to-rapid arc of most hot hatches, beginning life in ’91 in the UK as a sensible, if not swift, supermini before being transformed into a sharp handling, supercharged ball of excitement. Suspension was fettled and the brakes were beefed up in line with the increased performance but perhaps more importantly, the car looked the part. The wider body, flared arches and alloy wheels very much being de rigueur for spicy hatchbacks at the time and the car oozes brawny ’90s style.

What is it? 

This early ’91 model is not only a single owner, completely original example, but it has also covered just over 37K miles from new. Presented in a truly wonderful state of preservation that’s becoming increasingly rare in ’80s and ’90s hot hatches this Polo G40 is a bit of a time capsule, representing a wonderfully competitive era in the automotive industry when small, feisty family cars ruled the roost. Wearing its original colour scheme of jet black over typically snazzy ’90s upholstery it has been incredibly well maintained throughout.

Why is it a project? 

Despite being in fine fettle there are a few niggles that if addressed, would easily take this Polo G40 to the upper echelons of marque examples. There are some minor imperfections to the paint and body, including a small dent in the driver’s door and there are also some small interior blemishes too and both the engine bay and underside could do with a refresh.

What should you look for? 

Rejoice dear reader, for this is one of our professional auction listings and as such we have been to see the car, written a detailed listing and taken over a hundred quality photographs. This means you can be safe in the knowledge that the car is as described, allowing you to bid with confidence on this frisky little hatchback before setting to work giving it the zhuzh required to elevate it to the next level, but we have included a few specific things to look for should you wish to delve deeper.
1) Engine
Alongside all of the usual checks (fluid leaks, head gasket issues, smoking and rattling, etc.) it’s important to ensure that the car has received the correct G11 coolant mixture to prevent corrosion of the alloy head.

2) Supercharger
This isn’t a fit and forget item and it’s generally accepted that a full rebuild will be required every 40K miles or so, so if it hasn’t already been done it could be due. Worn bearings and oil seals are common so check the boost hoses for residue. A rebuild won’t break the bank so it shouldn’t break the deal either.
3) Gearbox
Regarded as a bit of a weak spot the five-speed gearbox may also need to be repaired or replaced so check for any grinding or crunching when shifting and get underneath to inspect for leaks.
4) Rust
Aside from a little surface corrosion underneath this particular car appears solid but problem areas can include the sills, wing bottoms, battery tray and around the windscreen.

5) Chassis
Have a good look underneath, inspecting the chassis for any signs of dodgy repairs or cracking to the legs. Have a poke around for any more serious rot while you’re there too.

What should you do with it? 

With only around 600 Polo G40 examples ever being sold over the course of its life, and with just 48 apparently still taxed in the UK, this mad little car deserves to be given a bit of spit and polish. Treat it to a full paint and plastics correction (and pull that door dent while you’re at it), give the engine bay a makeover and rub down and treat the underside and you’ll be the proud owner of a proper show car.

Brilliant fun to drive, exclusive and inherently usable as a daily classic this plucky Polo G40 deserves to be brought out of the shade cast by its hot hatch brethren and into the bright spotlight of proper modern classic luminosity.