Milton Keynes – In a vibrant homage to the iconic Polo, Volkswagen has revealed a stunning Harlequin-themed race livery to mark 50 years of the beloved model. This eye-catching colour scheme, chosen by Volkswagen fans across the globe, was unveiled for the first time at Bicester Motion’s springtime Scramble event, where it shared the spotlight with a showcase of Polos spanning five decades.
The newly revealed livery takes centre stage on a 2018 Polo R World Rallycross (WRX) show car, a stunning replica of Johan Kristoffersson’s multi-championship-winning FIA WRX car. This special edition livery draws its inspiration from the quirky and memorable Polo Harlequin, which became an icon of the 1990s. And now, the winning design will be featured prominently on Polo rally cars as part of Volkswagen’s thrilling celebrations of the Polo’s 50th birthday later this year.
Volkswagen fans from all over the world had the chance to vote for their favourite design in a global online poll, with four distinctive livery options inspired by the original Polo Harlequin special edition. The winning design is a nostalgic nod to the 1980s pop-art movement, incorporating the original four Harlequin colours: Chagallblau (Chagall blue), Flashrot (Flash red), Ginstergelb (Ginster yellow), and Pistazie (Pistachio). Together, they create a striking visual statement that evokes both the spirit of the past and the excitement of the future.
At the Scramble event, the Harlequin-themed Polo R WRX show car was joined by four other Polos, each representing a different era of the model’s evolution. A 1975 Polo GLS Mk1 in Inari silver paid tribute to the very first Polo, while a Cherry red Mk2 Polo added a splash of nostalgia. More contemporary models, including the Polo Black Edition and the sporty Polo GTI in bold blue and black, demonstrated the remarkable progression of the Polo line over the past five decades. Together, they illustrated the Polo’s lasting legacy and its continuous appeal to a diverse range of drivers.
“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. “Whether it’s the fans of the Polo rally cars who have seen them dominate world championships, the parents who owned a Mk1 or Mk2, or the people who learned to drive in a Polo – it’s a car that holds a special place in many hearts. That’s why we’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with such a colourful tribute to the Polo’s rich history.”
As Volkswagen looks ahead to more exciting Polo activities later in the year, fans can expect to see the Harlequin-themed livery making its mark in thrilling birthday-related events. With 20 million Polos sold worldwide, the Polo continues to be a symbol of innovation, performance, and style, and this 50th-anniversary celebration promises to be one for the history books.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing this one-off livery in action as the birthday celebrations really ramp up,” Orford added.
The road ahead looks just as bright for the Polo, as Volkswagen continues to build on its legacy of producing cars that are as beloved as they are iconic.
