Asking an automotive anorak about this is akin to questioning whether grizzlies do their business amongst the leaves and trees or if the Pope goes to church on a Sunday. Of course, I do, and then some. For starters, the special order-only, supercharged Volkswagen Polo G40 Coupe of 1992/93, was produced to commemorate VW’s sponsorship of the 1993 Genesis We Can’t Dance live tour.
Volkswagen’s involvement in music hasn’t been limited to this trio of special edition hatchbacks though, as at the end of 2012 it introduced a limited edition New Beetle Fender, created in conjunction with the legendary rock guitar maker; Fender. Available only in Pearl Black with a diesel engine, the Beetle Fender also features a special rear spoiler, chimed 18-inch alloys, a powerful 400-Watt Fender audio system, plus Fender badges on the front wings. A unique black ‘vibrant sunburst’ wood dash panel, intended to replicate the finish of a Fender guitar, also made this Special stand out.
Far less rock ’n’ roll and more mind-numbingly pop, the late 20th century Liverpool girls band – Atomic Kitten – almost made a living out of associating themselves with various car brands and limited edition models. In addition to being one of the more bizarre sponsors of a Works BTCC team – with their Team Atomic Kitten MG ZS Touring Car for the 2002 season, driven by Colin Turkington and Gareth Howell – the girl band’s tie-up with MG Rover also saw the failed Longbridge car maker offer its MG ZR and ZS models in special edition Atomic Kitten form, as well as using the girls to promote its latest family of MG and Rover models – a move that sadly failed to improve this one-great British car maker’s fortunes.