The story behind the Classic Story: Leslie Richter – VW Polo Love, exhilarating driving pleasure and passion for all generations.

Leslie is 29 years old and comes from Mülheim an der Ruhr, right in the heart of the Ruhr region. For as long as she can remember, Volkswagen Polos, motor racing and everything that goes with it have been part of her life. She works on all her vehicles herself and also competes in races in the youngtimer category. Thanks to her innate passion for cars and motorsport, she decidedat an early age to become an engineer. For almost five years, she has been working for a renowned brand specialising in racing brake pads and brake discs. We accompanying Leslie in our latest Classic Story episode at the 50 Years of Polo event. Her story about the VW Polo is unique, so we would like to tell you more about her enthusiasm, brand loyalty and family. Leslie has a special passion for the VW Polo. These models are not just vehicles,they are an expression of her family history and her love of motorsport.

If you haven't seen the video yet, you can now watch it in our magazine section under the Classic Stories tab. To the video ->

Classic Stories Episode #13 - Behind the Scene: Learn all about the story behind the video.

Behind the Scenes: Portrait of Leslie Richter

Behind the Scenes: Sunset during driving shots with the VW Polo Mk1 at the Volkswagen Classic Parts logistics centre.

Why the Polo?

Leslie obviously began loving the Polo just days before she was born when her Mum was driving her Polo on a slalom track. Since then the Polo was always a part of her life and it is now her family heritage and her identity.

Leslie remembers when her Dad picked up a used Polo that broke down on a motorway. Her Grandpa bought it right of the owner and it became her Dads first car. Since then the Polo in several generations became a solid part oft her family. Of course her first car was also a Polo, a red 86c that was given to her on her 18th Birthday by her parents. At first she did’nt really like it because it was a standart Polo but soon she startet working on that car giving it a sports chassis and new rims. This Polo is with her to this day.

A special Polo collection:

The Richter family's passion for the Volkswagen brand, and especially for the VW Polo, spans all generations. From a Polo Mk1 modified into a hill climb car, to a Polo Mk2 86C with a sporty chassis, to a Polo Mk4 9N as a daily driver. A unique collection with a lot of heart and soul.
We introduce them to you:

VW Polo MK1 – Group H Race Car (Pearl Blue Metallic)

Model year: 5/1979
Engine: 1.3l with 60HP, converted to 1400ccm / V8 engine with 180HP
New: widening for group 2, roll cage, 5-speed gearbox, lifting jack.

Leslies Dad bought this car in 1984 as a standart Polo and drove slalom in it with her Mum. From 1988 to 1990 the Polo was converted to a group H mountain race car. The highlight was a race at the Apex Festival in Lydden Hill / UK in 2014. To this day Leslie drives this car for mountain races.

VW Polo Mk1 climb hill car (Perl Blue Metallic)

VW Polo Mk1 Circuit Race Car - Group 2 (Ascot grey)

Model year: 8/1981
Engine: origina HA engine with 40HP (1.0l) converted to GK engine with 75HP and twin carburettor (110HP)
New: sports chassis, roll cage

In 1998 Leslies Dad found this car on a scrapyard to use it as a winter car for her Mum. After many years serving as a normal street car, the Polo was ready to be converted for racing. In 2015 Leslie used this Polo for her first mountain race and came in at 3rd place. In this year the Polo will take part at the Youngtimer Trophy.

VW Polo Mk1 circuit racing car (Ascot-Grey)

Polo Mk2 86c (Mars Red)

Model year: 1985
Engine: 1.3l / 55HP
New: Sports chassis and exhaust system, steering wheel, GT-sports interior and grille, rims.

This is Leslies first car given to her for her 18th birthday. A neighbour offered the Polo to her Dad and after some conversions this Polo is her daily runner now since 13 years.

Polo Mk2 86c 2F GT (Silver)

Model year: 6/1992
Engine: 55HP / 5-speed manual geaarbox
New: Threaded chassis, sports exhaust, larger brakes, Momo steering wheel, Atiwe-rims with semi Slicks.

This GT belongs to Leslies Mum and it was found by coincidence. It was a part-exchange at a dealer and her Dad bought it of a mechanic working there. It is now a nother highlight in the family-collection.

Polo Mk2 86c 2F (Black)

Model year: 3/1992
Engine: 1.3l / 55HP with 5-speed manual gearbox
New: Sports chassis and exhaust, new rims, golden exterior decoration

This Polo was also a lucky find. It was about to be scrapped but was saved in the last minute only to find out, it is in good condition. Today this Polo is Leslies every day runner and she was inspired by Ayrton Sennas Lotus 97T, John Player Special for the exterior.

VW Polo Mk4 9N (Black-metallic)

Model year: 01/2005
Engine: 1.4l Motor | 16V with 75 HP, 5-speed manual gearbox
Fully equipped: original smoked glass rear lights, sunroof, air conditioning and heated seats

The VW Polo 9N was also a gift from her parents for completing her bachelor's degree, just like her red Polo 86C and black 86C 2F. It has a coilover suspension, a sports exhaust system, 17" rims, original VW smoked glass rear lights and, apart from a sunroof, is fully equipped with air conditioning, heated seats and everything your heart desires.