PoloDriver

After a lengthy absence, PoloDriver.com contributor Simon Kimber updates us on the story of his 1991 Polo GT Coupé. This time he reports on his ongoing replacement suspension track control arms saga

Regular readers may recall that sometime ago I had the front track control arms on my 1991 Polo GT coupé replaced for a pair of TAS adjustable ones at C&R Enterprises. Now these arms are starting to show their age, with creaks coming from the original-type ball joints.

After much searching and with a few enquiries to companies such as Eibach at GTI International, I am seeking a little assistance and guidance to build my own as my search for replacements proved fruitless. I have been able to find gas pipe that will be plenty strong enough from a contact at Red 9 Design, who assures me it is of the required strength. The plan is to buy a pair of new arms from one of the many aftermarket suppliers, as VW are running down supplies of track arms – if I were to buy directly from my local retailer they would cost about £70 each, although there is only one single arm available with no possibility of obtaining a pair if I wanted to. And not at £140 a pair if I could anyway.

The aftermarket track arms are far cheaper, somewhere in the region of better than half price. Superspares Balham High Road suggested I go to Stockwell Motor Accessories, who said they can order a pair of TRW arms at the suggested price of £31 each. They arrived one Saturday back in August, and on comparing the new arms with the adjustable arms still fitted, they appear to be around 7mm longer. I have emailed TRW to find out if the specifications have been altered and what kind of settings I could possibly end up with once they are fitted.

When I stripped the front suspension and compared the relative lengths of the track arms, the new and unmodified arms from TRW were only 3mm longer in the crucial area between the inner mounting bush and the anti-roll bar locater outboard. This actually meant no modification was deemed necessary – I would assume to be in the region of 10’N from the original settings using the arms fitted so long ago by C&R Enterprises. I am guessing that TRW may have adjusted the design to suit the Camber specs to somewhere in the middle of 10’+ +/- 30′, which leaves me a little bit miffed by not being able to brew my own special pair of arms.

The C&R replacements have lasted well, though, as they have been subjected to regular trackday use in addition to everyday driving over the past 11 years and 90,000 miles. Their condition wasn’t brilliant, but then I have owned this 21 year-old car for a very long time and am pretty aware of what alarming noises early Polo suspension can make and what each little creak and crackle actually means. So, overall I am very satisfied with the replacements.

Volkswagen Classic Parts is currently offering a promotion on selected Polo 86 and 86C parts, with price reductions on chosen lines. Running until 18 December, the selected parts will fit all Polos with type numbers 86 and 86C (Mk 1 and Mk 2 cars – and their facelifted variants – produced from 1975 to 1994). We’ve also been contacted by Andy Gregory of VW Heritage in the UK, who says that the company is the UK partner for Volkswagen Classic Parts, and has access to 40,000 lines, many of which are now obsolete. While full listings for Polos are unavailable, Andy and his team can search by part number to check availability. This facility is also available on VW Heritage’s website – click here to look up your part request.

It’s not often gems like this turn up. Currently for sale on autotrader.co.uk is this pristine 1990 Polo Ranger. Totally genuine and unmolested, it may not be the most in demand of Polos, but it’s a unique piece of the small Volkswagen’s history. Finished in Stratos Blue Metallic and complete with its original 55bhp 1.3-litre engine, G108 CDG has covered only 52,000 miles. It comes with full service history with every MoT from new. Standard Ranger kit is all present and correct and includes: twin-light grille, roof rails, sunroof, flush wheel trims and graphics. There’s even the original dealer-supplied numberplates and an unused spare tyre! It really does deserve to be saved as it is and not modified, but at £1675, we’re unsure as to whether it will find many takers. Interested? View the ad and more pictures here.

[Image: autotrader.co.uk]

In its latest batch of historic motorsport titles, motorsport-dvd.de has released a round of the 1980s Volkswagen Polo Cup on DVD. Original uncut footage courtesy of MCN Nuremberg, sees thrilling overtaking moves and numerous position battles, complete with the 28 year-old, 1984 soundtrack. The 65-minute, German-language DVD retails at €16,80 plus postage. Taken from original VHS, S8, and 16mm media, the ‘Uncut’ range is, according to the company’s website, a series of DVDs from the ‘good old days’ of motorsport. motorsport-dvd.de specialises in DVDs with footage and races from the ‘80s and ‘90s from the DRM German Racing Championship and the ‘old’ DTM German Touring Car Championship. Other original Polo Cup races available on DVD include rounds from the Nürburgring in 1987, and the Norisring in 1988.

The time has come. I’m finally selling my 1994 Volkswagen Polo GT coupé that has been a constant and loyal travelling companion for the last 13 years. Bought in January 1999 when it was five years old and had 48,000 miles on the clock, I’ve enjoyed 120,000 miles since then in it, although with a 2001 Polo GTI arriving last September, unfortunately (and very reluctantly), the 75bhp Polo GT has to go. It’s covered less than 6000 miles a year over the last nine years or so, as I worked in London, and so took the train to work.

The car comes with a full service history, and where the service book hasn’t been stamped by a dealer when the car has been DIY-serviced in its later life, I’ve filled in the service stamps manually, and have the complete book pack, complete with previous tax discs and ‘Possession of your new Volkswagen’ booklet. The car has a current MoT until January 2013 (I have all if them from my ownership), and had over £800 spent on it last year when a new alternator was needed and the suspension was completely replaced.

Built in November 1993 and exported to the UK in January 1994, the car is fitted with sought-after factory front fog lights, heated washer jets, tinted glass, and Satin Silver metallic paint, all expensive new official options, specified when the car was ordered by its previous (one of three) owners. A Passat 22mm master cylinder has also been retro-fitted to improve the braking a little. The car comes with its standard steel wheels and wheel trims, as well as some spare parts which include a set of tinted rear light lenses (one is cracked, but they were originally on the car), white front indicators, darkened side repeaters, and a quarterlight window.

The bodywork is in good condition for an 18 year-old car, but there is some tidying up to be done. There is some rust just under the fuel filler flap, the bottom underside of the driver’s door needs some attention, and there is some rust starting to bubble along a small area of the tailgate edge and the front of the nearside wing near the front indicator (though this has been constant through the last 10 years or so, and hasn’t gotten much worse). The roof also has areas where lacquer has peeled, while the bonnet has a few chips.

Overall, though, the car is still one of the best and most original, unmolested examples of this great little VW. A previous concours winner, it is a regular Volkswagen event attendee, and is well-known on the show circuit, having promoted both the VW Polo Register and PoloDriver.com in its time with me. Ideally, I’d like it to go to an enthusiast and be looked after, as it enters the twilight of its life. Email rich@polodriver.com for further information and contact details. No timewasters, please. £1100 or any sensible offers.

Details

• 1994 Volkswagen Polo GT coupé
• 168,000 miles
• Manual five-speed gearbox
• 75bhp, 1272cc engine with multipoint fuel injection
• MoT until January 2013
• Tax until end June 2013

UPDATE, 12 APRIL 2012: the car has now been sold.