Yesterday’s Specials…VW Polo Harlequin
Decisions, decisions. There you are in the dealer showroom, one hand clasping the brochure, the other hand clasping a cup of coffee so hot that it must have been brewed using molten lava. You enjoyed the test drive, you’ve accepted the finance deal and have ticked all the options. There’s only one thing left to do – decide on the colour.
The brochure offers you an array of colours to choose from, including solid, metallic and pearlescent. After what seems like an eternity, you’ve narrowed the choice down to four. Ginster Yellow, Chagall Blue, Pistachio Green or Flash Red. Sensing indecision and fearful of losing the deal, the helpful salesman offers you an unbelievable solution. Why not have all four? It is at this point that you should glance around the showroom to locate the nearest exit, before making your excuses and running for the door. A four colour car? What is this, circus time?
To most people, the idea of a four colour car is some kind of sick joke. The kind of vision that wakes you in the middle of the night and leaves you in a cold sweat. But believe it or not, there are approximately 3,800 people across the world for who this vision is a thing of beauty. How do we know this? Because approximately 3,800 people bought a VW Polo Harlequin.
Toys R Us
The Polo Harlequin was officially launched at the London Motor Show in 1995. The purpose of the launch was to assess the public’s reaction to such a bold colour scheme, so you can blame the Brits for the fact that a few months later in 1996, the Polo Harlequin went on sale. Based on the 1.4 CL, the Harlequin featured a bespoke interior and ‘sports’ bumper.
Harlequin customers were still treated to a somewhat lucky dip style delivery process. In the showroom, they could spec the colour of the roof, rear pillars and sills, but the rest was down to the guys in Wolfsburg to decide. You can almost hear the hilarity and joy as the chaps on the production line bolted the car together, “zose krazy Britisch viv zer krazy senz of humor”. Apparently this added element of surprise was all part of the sales package. However, I’d imagine the biggest surprise would be reserved for the moment the buyer arrives at the showroom to pick up their new Polo. This is the exact point that the fact that they actually did tick the Harlequin box dawns on them.
I see your true colours shining through
But let’s look on the bright side. When you come to your senses and decide to sell it on, there’s a ready made list of buyers in the form of children’s entertainers, party shops and Noddy impersonators. It also bypasses the ‘laid up on the front garden’ look when it reaches bangerdom and most panels have been replaced.
And for all of the obvious flaws, it must have a certain amount of collectability in 2010. There appears to be none for sale in the UK today, so they’re either locked away in private collections or owned by loving drivers who cherish them and couldn’t bear to part with them. Let’s also now forget that VW were so inspired by the Polo, they went on to launch the Golf equivalent, of which there are rumoured to be 260 or so in existence. There are even rumours in Wolfsburg that VW is planning a Tourareg Harlequin – surely the ultimate car for the daily school run. No chance of children being ridiculed for their parents’ choice of transport.
But one final question. Just what colour do the DVLA list a Harlequin on the V5 document? Maybe, rather like the 2010 UK General Election, the DVLA just can’t decide what colour it is. A case of a hung Harlequin perhaps?
Thanks to vwpoloshow.co.uk for the helpful information and to Wikipedia for the images.
30 Comments
I have a polo harlequin which is for sale bought it five years ago for fun only done 1,000 miles since , in really good condition , due to the kind of car cant get a guide on price its a 97 p reg.Interesting blog majorgav good luck for the future.
Good luck with the sale. I guess VW forums and Pistonheads would be your best bet?
Hi there,
I would be really interested in buying your Harlequin… is there anychance you could get back to with a price. thanks
i’m interested in buying your harlequin brendon can you get back to me with a price i used to own one and im on the look out for another one i really miss my old harlequin cheers
hi brendon,
i would be really interested in your Harlequin. Are you still selling it? If so could you please email me some pics to potter247@hotmail.co.uk
thanks!
Did you ever sell your Polo Harlequin?
Hello, do you still have the harlequin and is it still for sale?
Regards
Brendon,
What country are you i with your Polo?
Greg
VW Harlequin for sale cica 60K miles September 1996
How much are you looking to sell the harlequin for? And where abouts do you live? Thanks.
I too have a Polo Harlequin that I would like to sell 96 P reg. The MOT has run out. Good little runner but needs some TLC. Can sell with Teddy bear alloys if the price is right. Brand new lexus back lights and a brand new battery. Can supply photo’s if interested. We are looking for around £700 with the teddy bear wheels but are willing to negotiate. We are in Winchester, Hampshire.
hi angela,
i would be really interested in your Harlequin. Are you still selling it? If so could you please email me some pics to potter247@hotmail.co.uk
thanks!
i am looking to buy a harlekin
#mine has just been stolen am very sad
Should be easy enough for the police to find it…
Hi Angela Twine Have you got an pics of your Harley polo looking for one for the last couple of months now and havent found one
Living in Ireland so can collect it 😀
Send pics to
VR6twinturbo@gmail.com
Hi I have to sell my lovely 1996 Polo Harlequin because she has just failed the MOT and needs about £400 spent on her because I can’t do the work myself. She still purrs alnog because I have looked after her and changed the cambelt at the right times etc: Body work has just a little rust on one rear wheel arch. Alloy wheels and interior original. I’ve had no lick finding out her value either, but with 197,000 genuine mileage of which I have done over 100,000 and a good recon gearbox she still drives well. I have reluctantly put her on ebay, (2 days to go!)but would really like some advise on her value. Anyone out there who could help? Please email me asap. Thank you jen_vize@hotmail.com
It’s comming back the new polo mk6 harleqin allready on sale in Europe.
http://www.avto.net/_AVTO/ad.asp?ID=4643063&show=1
My goodness – you’re right! I fully expected this to be a joke! 😉
Seems that they have a sense of humour in Slovenia. The Polo Harlequin is back!
Very nice !
French aerospace/publishing/car company, Matra, did something similar (with the aid of artist Sonia Delaunay) to their quirky but clever M530A way back in 1967:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tautaudu02/5609955513/
Now you see, THAT is lovely…
Hey, I am in florida.. Looking to buy a Harliquin. Name your price and send some pics.. thanks Jo- carjoa@netzero.com
as per DVLA colour is classed as multi ! I have had mine for 12 yrs great car only covered 43k since new
been looking for a harlequin for a while if anybody is selling one please call john on 07899012238thanks
John – have you seen this one on eBay? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-POLO-1-4-HARLEQUIN-MULTI-COLOURED-1996-MOTD-TAXD-2013-LIMITED-ED-/160880357719?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2575377157#ht_500wt_1363
GOING TO HAVE A LOOK
Hola a todos, desde Pampona vendo mi maravilloso polo Harlequin muy bien cuidado. davidliberalg@hotmail.es
Hi harlequin fans i have just acquired one and selling if anyone is interested give me a call on 07891430708 if you are interested? how much are these worth now
I have a Harlequin Polo ’96 that had just passed another mot in perfect condition. It has been in only one family and has done 76k. We love this car but unfortunately just cannot hold onto it anymore ?. Please get in touch if you know anyone who loves Harlequins & is looking for a beautiful Harlequin in original/excellent condition that is based in the uk. Big thanks,
Kate
The Harliquin is listed as multi colour on the V5 document.