Volkswagen UK took the wraps off a new throwback look for the World Rallycross Championship winner to celebrate 50 years of the Polo at the Scramble.
Taking pride of place the top of the Main Drive during the sold-out April event, the Polo R was a show-car replica of the machine Johan Kristoffersson slid to two world titles at the series’ peak.
Four liveries were designed, all with a nod to the cult classic color scheme of the Harlequin of the 1990s and a pop art version was the chosen livery.
The Polo R WRX was on a pedestal, flanked by four previous models to represent the Polo’s half century including a pristine Mk1 from 1975. An early breadvan iteration of the Mk2 in Cherry red joined it on the heritage side, while a new Black Edition and GTI stood opposite.
An astonishing 20m Polos have been sold worldwide, underlining the popularity and longevity of the Audi-derived hatch.
“The Polo is a model that resonates with so many people for different reasons,” said Mike Orford, Head of PR and Communications at Volkswagen UK. “They might have been fans of the Polo rally cars as they dominated world championships over the years, their parents might have owned a Mk1 or Mk2 Polo, or it might have been the car in which they learned to drive. Whatever the reason, the Polo is a special and enduring model for Volkswagen and that’s why it is great when we get to celebrate these milestone moments in such a colourful way.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing this one-off livery in action later in the year as the birthday celebrations really ramp up.”
