PoloDriver

It’s strange – and shocking – to realise that early examples of the second-generation Polo are now over 40 years old. However, that means that while it’s not quite a fully paid-up member of the bona-fide ‘classic car’ scene, it is starting to earn a reputation as a starter modern classic. Its cult currency is growing in VW circles, too.

Sloane Ranger darling
Very popular in its heyday – indeed at one point in the mid-1980s, Volkswagen UK sold more Polos than Golfs – the high-spec Polo ‘breadvan’ was the darling of ‘Sloane Rangers’, and was a common sight on the streets of London. (Though we doubt it influenced Volkswagen’s own decision to rename the top-spec GL the ‘Ranger’ from 1987, following a 1986 special edition with the same name.) Seen as an upmarket adversary to the Austin Metro, Fiat Uno, Ford Fiesta, Renault 5, and Vauxhall Nova, a top-rung Polo was a thing to behold.

As is this Polo, due to go under the online hammer on 8 May on the Car & Classic website. Very much a ‘Sloanie’ Polo in appearance, this 1989 Polo CL has covered just 42,700 miles since it rolled off the forecourt, and has an amazing 23 service stamps in its full and unmolested service book.

Fitted with the 55bhp 1,272cc engine, it has a little more get and go than the standard 1,043cc Polo. It’s a five-speeder, too. The listing states that it has barely ventured further than the local area in Sussex where it’s based, and going on the condition, we believe it!

Supplying dealer sticker
High points include the interior, which, thanks to constant garaging throughout the car’s life, is in fine fettle, with no damage to the plastics or fabric trim. The ashtray and cigarette lighter have never even been used, and the carpets have been protected by official Volkswagen floor mats.

While the exterior isn’t quite so blemish-free – a couple of rust spots and some minor paint issues – there is a supplying dealer sticker in the rear window, and all four of the distinctive ‘flat-face’ wheel trims are in place. There is even a pop-out sunroof, which, in period, could leak, but the listing points out this would appear not to be the case with this car.

All in all, G895 WOR looks like a ‘classic’ case of a very well-looked after and very low-mileage second generation Polo. Ironically, it’s its exceptional condition that makes it a car which deserves to shine at events such as Hegarty’s Festival of the Unexceptional. We hope it finds a good home and has its time in the spotlight.

If you fancy a slice of 1980s Sloane Ranger action, the Polo CL Car & Classic Auction starts at 14:25 on 8 May. Head over to the Car & Classic listing to see full details of the car and lots and lots of photos.