Started as the Audi 50: The VW Polo

The first generation Volkswagen Polo was launched in 1975 and 43 years later there are still fresh Polos for sale. But they are incomparable with the first series.

Badge engineering

The first Polo from 1975 was just an Audi 50 as it had been on sale since the year before, but with different emblems. The Polo was not a direct sales hit, but won the hearts of the customers because of its price and fresh appearance. He quickly sold better than the Audi 50 did and became a solid pillar in the VW sales program over the years.

And that meant a lot

Because the competition in this segment has always been very fierce. To become a success in this class, such a little one had to offer a lot. And the competition was not small. The Austin Metro and Ford Fiesta were the rival competitors, but the Fiat Uno, Peugeot 205, Opel Corsa / Vauxhall Nova and Nissan Micra and later the Clio were very serious rivals.

And all those little cars and their successes were a natural reaction to the oil crisis of the 1970 years, and a sudden demand for economical all-rounders 'to scale' who had to take over the helm from the thirsty, big brothers from before (who, by the way, approached us) ) oil crisis

Light. So economical. And fast

With a weight of only 800 kg, the Polo was almost by definition economical, but that light weight also provided an exciting basis for versions with more power and pepper in the butt. The GT model of the second generation Polo was therefore quickly a popular and important part of the range.

Powered by a 1,3-liter supercharged engine, the GT showed that small, sensible cars could be brave ADHDers too. The search for status and prestige has led to the Polo also taking part in the World Rally Championship with Polootjes with 150 hp at the front wheels.

A bizarre idea: the Harlequin

And then there was proof that styling and Germans are often under a strange tension: the special edition of the Polo Harlequin from 1995 was at least surprising because every panel in the car had a different color. That made spectators very nervous.

In the meantime, very few cool Polos from the first generation are left

The boxes could rust perfectly. And buyers did not see the purchase of a Polo as an investment in future classics as everyday cars. The ordinary Burgers Polootjes could not even be given away at some point. We have experienced this very closely. The good, and pretty neat and good standard Polootje that we mean was eventually taken over - for nothing - by someone whose Saab Carbrio had a lot of welding work. When the welding was done, the red Polo went to the demolition. Because then there was no one else who wanted him.

But there are people who think with their heart, instead of with their wallets

The Polo on the photos is from the Apeldoorn commercial vehicle dealer Peter van Burik. And he has spared no expense in making his Polootje completely fresh again. And how far he has gone there? And whether that will ever be a profitable investment? Keep coming Auto Motor Klassieks but in the holes. Or just finally take out the subscription that gives you your AMK every month.