22k-Mile 1996 Volkswagen Polo Harlequin 5-Speed
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1996
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Polo
- VIN: WVWZZZ6NZVW044422
- Mileage Shown: 22,238
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Harlequin
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Harrisonburg, VA 22801
- Lot #: V-0031789
A unique and eye-catching variant of the third-generation Volkswagen Polo platform, the Harlekin (or Harlequin for the North American market) model was introduced in 1994. Unlike traditional cars with uniform paint colors, the Harlekin was assembled using body panels painted in four different colors, Chagall Blue, Flash Red, Ginster Yellow, and Pistachio Green, inspired by the traditional Harlequin costume. Due to its uniqueness and limited availability, the Polo Harlekin became a sought-after collector's item among Volkswagen enthusiasts. This example is said to be 1 of 103 examples with a right-hand drive configuration. Having spent most of its time in the U.K., this example was imported to the U.S. by Open Air Imports and is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Virginia with just over 22k miles on the odometer.
Each Polo Harlequin model was factory finished with a combination of Chagall Blue, Flash Red, Ginster Yellow, and Pistachio Green panels. This example features a Pistachio base color and includes factory 16V sport bumpers, clear front corner indications, and darkened taillights. It rides on 14” alloy wheels with Volkswagen branded center caps and Uniroyal tires from 2018. The seller notes a small piece of clear coat peeling near the upper driver's side rear door, slight bubbling in a small area on the passenger rear door and on the passenger rocker near the factory undercoat, slight peeling of paint at the rear wheel well rocker panel, and a few small dings. Additionally, the seller believes a few panels have been refreshed due to slight orange peel and minimal overspray which can be seen on certain areas. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.
The right-hand drive cabin presents gray cloth seats with Harlequin-themed graphic design inserts, floor mats with green piping, a blue leather steering wheel, and a themed shift knob. Equipment includes front bucket seats, power locks, an alarm, and a rear defroster. The seller notes one crack on the radio bezel which is common on this generation Polo given the brittle plastic trim.
The Polo equips a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 60 HP and 86 lb.-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. The seller states that service items under their ownership have included replacements to the control arms, spindles, ball joints, outer tie rod ends, rotors, calipers, brake lines, brake pads, front and rear shocks, axles, front subframe, control arm bushings, rear beam with bushings, exhaust piping and muffler from the axle back, distributor, and battery.
This sale will include a clean title and a UK MOT valid until 2024.
The seller would like you to know: “Thank you for visiting my auction. The car is completely stock with tons of maintenance items. Anyone who owns a Harle' will absolutely love the experience that comes with it. It's hilariously awesome. It's like a toddler sneaker on 4 wheels. The embodiment of a Harlekin. It's an entertainer. It's comedic. It's laughable. It's happy. It encourages everyone to smile.”
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $15,500
- Auction End: Jul 28, 2023 07:25:56PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 17
Comments (23)
Bid in the amount of $15,500
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $14,750
Bid in the amount of $14,500
Bid in the amount of $14,000
Bid in the amount of $13,750
Bid in the amount of $13,500
Hi all! I'll be available to answer any questions for the remainder of the auction. Thanks!
Hi all! I'll be available to ask any questions for the remainder of the auction. Thanks!
Bid in the amount of $13,138
Bid in the amount of $12,888
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $8,888
Bid in the amount of $4,000
Bid in the amount of $2,888
Bid in the amount of $2,200
@Lotusx Any time!
That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for clarifying!
@Lotusx Thanks! As for the cluster, to my knowledge, the UK is one of the only countries in Europe that uses MPH so it is original. I've owned a handful of cars from the UK in the past and they were all MPH! If this were to be a German LHD example, the cluster would be in KPH. Due to the rainy climate of the UK, these 90's generation VW's don't fair well. This is probably one of the best polo's I've run into personally. I believe that the hood and rear bumper have been resprayed from the orange peel and the driver's side rear quarter due to a slight clear coat tape line that is becoming visible.
What a wonderful example of a right hand drive Polo.
A couple quick questions. Who did the conversion to MPH from the original cluster unless I am incorrect in believing they were all in kilometers.
Also, which body panels do you think I’ve been repainted because we are reviewing the photos trying to get a better idea as to the work that was done. It’s really a non-issue but I’m just trying to figure out why multiple panels have been painted with such low mileage. Again a fantastic vehicle and thank you for listing it.
Bid in the amount of $1,888
Bid in the amount of $1,000
Bid in the amount of $500