Mini-Golf: 1978 Volkswagen Polo LS
Sean Rooks | January 31, 2025

In the United States, the smallest car Volkswagen offered was the Golf and GTI. In Europe, a continent with an appetite for even smaller vehicles, the VW Polo, introduced in 1975, was the smallest entry-level Volkswagen for many years until the launch of the even smaller Lupo in 1998. The Polo is celebrating its 50 year anniversary in 2025, and that’s why it’s today’s Good Find Friday car.

The first-generation Volkswagen Polo was introduced in 1975 as a compact, front-wheel-drive hatchback. It was based on the Audi 50 and shared much of its design and mechanical components. Initially available as a three-door hatchback, the Polo featured a lightweight body and a range of small-displacement engines aimed at fuel efficiency. The interior was simple and functional, reflecting its position as an entry-level vehicle. Production continued until 1981, during which the model established itself as a popular option, outselling its sister car to such a degree that it led to the Audi 50 being discontinued.

The second-generation Polo is defined mostly by its “bread van” design, but the hatchback remained a staple in the lineup. This generation also saw the introduction of the supercharged G40 engine option. The third generation car was a completely new chassis and visual evolution of the facelifted Mk2 Polo. Being a car launched in the 90s, it had a more rounded body overall and grew in size compared to prior versions. The third generation platform also introduced the first Polo GTI. The Polo continues to go strong today, with the seventh generation having been launched in 2021.

Today’s Good Find Friday feature is a first-generation Volkswagen Golf built in June of 1978 and is finished in orange with a tan interior. It is being offered by the selling dealer Motioncars in Germany.

The first generation Volkswagen Polo is, in my opinion, the prettiest of all the Polo variants with its highly angular design reminiscent of the folded paper design of its Golf brethren. The Polo’s design history is well-covered by my past feature on an Audi 50, and differences between the models are fairly slight.

In the photos at the dealer, you can get a sense of just how small the Polo is relative to the building it’s next to. My favorite features on the Polo include the steeply sloped rear hatch lid, small tail lights, low-mounted gas door, small chrome bumpers, steel wheels and the elegant rear window kink with matching upturned beltline trim.

The odometer of this Polo reads 42,126 kilometers, however the reading only displays 5 digits plus a tenth, and no documentation is shared to validate the mileage to be as low as indicated. The interior is in nice condition given the age of the vehicle, perhaps supporting the mileage claim. Seat material on Volkswagens of this vintage are often very loose from age and use, and this car’s upholstery shows similarly.

The gauge cluster features speedometer, fuel and coolant temperature gauges, in contrast to the Audi which included such luxury features as a clock. The climate controls and other interior appointments are nearly identical to the Audi, though the steering wheel features a Wolfsburg crest instead of the four rings logo.

The engine bay isn’t shown in the photos, which is a bit of disappointment as it prevents us from seeing its condition, obviously, but also whether rust prone areas are clean and intact. Interestingly, the Polo LS featured the same 1,043 cc 50 PS engine found in the base level Audi 50.

No undercarriage photos are posted, which would be essential in determining whether this car is worth the asking price. Early Volkswagens like this one were very susceptible to rust and corrosion. The suspension was pure water-cooled VW with a MacPherson strut suspension with a trailing beam rear axle.
The Mk1 Polo Market
Early examples of the Polo are much more difficult to find than Mk2 and later models. Based on the ten 1975-1979 Volkswagen Polos I’m able to find on the market today, prices range from around €3,500 to €15,000, with our subject car at the top of the charts.

I’ve found one other Mk1 Polo that appears to be in similar condition, but painted in a beautiful but sedate green color, and the asking price is €15,000. Sourcing sales data for Mk1 Polos is quite challenging, as very few in good condition sell on the typical collector car venues. This makes determining value rather difficult. Based on available vehicles and my cursory observations of their conditions, I’ve created the chart above to provide a sense of value.
Final Thoughts
I love the Mk1 Polo and would love to import one, however I’m not sure enthusiasts in this country would be as interested in the Polo as those who grew up with them in Europe. That said, I’ve encountered more than one ex-pat that flips when they see a car from their youth.
Including importation costs, you’re probably looking at $20,000 or more to bring the finest first-gen Polo to our shores. While it may not guarantee a significant return, I’m confident it would reward you with plenty of waves on the road and spectator attention at cars and coffee events.
If you do decide to ship one over here, choose one in a bright 1970s color for two reasons: 1) other drivers will see you better on the road and 2) you’ll stand out on the show field.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Wolf and Mare provides car finding, appraisal and auction services for sellers and buyers of collector European cars. We also provide importation services. Give us a call or drop us a line!