Launched in 1981 and extensively revised in 1990, the second generation Volkswagen Polo is mostly remembered for the famous G40 version that has run so much paint. However this is not the most exclusive version of the German utility, with this “honor” reserved for the transformed Volkswagen Polo Treser GT.
Developed by the German trainer Treser, the Polo Treser GT was a true “two in one”.
Based on the modest 75hp Polo GT coupe, the model created by the company founded by Walter Treser — the man who christened the Audi Quattro and helped develop it — the Polo Treser GT could be as much a convertible as a targa.
To transform it into a convertible, not only the hood was removed, but also the B-pillars and the rear window. If we wanted a targa, we could keep the peculiar pillars and just choose to keep the small roof. The end result was quite interesting and, truth be told, hardly anyone would say it was a transformation.
the price of distinction
Although the conversion of the Volkswagen Polo into a convertible/targa can also be based on the 55hp version of the German utility vehicle, few customers opted for this engine.
Whichever the choice, one thing was certain, the factory warranty held (a testament to Volkswagen's confidence in the preparer, given Treser's connection to Audi).
In total, 290 Polo GT Treser were produced with the cost of the transformation at that time rising up to 16 thousand DM (about 8000 euros). To these were added the approximately 21 thousand DM (about 10 thousand euros) that the Polo GT cost.
Convertible or…
To give you an idea of the high cost of the conversion, when the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK was launched in 1996, it cost 46 thousand marks (23 thousand euros)!
Taking these values into account (and also the rarity of the model in question), the 11,900 euros requested by the owner — the classics specialist Jens Seltrecht from Garage 11 in Hamburg — of the unit that we show you here even seem “nice”.
Produced in 1993, this unit covered around 92,000 kilometers and, in addition to being immaculate, it even has the original wheels.