5 things you didn’t know about the Volkswagen Beetle
Very few cars can claim to have as storied and rich of a history as the Volkswagen Beetle. From its inception to its modern concept, the Beetle has been one of, if not the most recognizable cars in the world. This recognition has allowed the Beetle to adopt a personality and life of its own. Sure, it’s fun, sporty, and safe, but there’s so much more to it than that. Along with any storied history, there are a few details you might not have known so we have put together 5 things you didn’t know about the Volkswagen Beetle.
Hitler stole the concept. Originally designed by Joseph Ganz, the Beetle was discovered by Adolf Hitler at an auto show in 1933. At the time, Ganz’s car was known as the Standard Superior. Hitler’s vision was to have a very basic vehicle, capable of transporting 2 adults and 3 children, regular Germans could afford. The Volkswagen Beetle was to be known as “the people’s car.” In fact, the moniker “Volkswagen” translates to mean the people’s car. Of course, once Hitler got his hands on it, Ganz’s name all but disappeared from history.
Designed by Porsche. (Yeah, that Porsche) Once he knew what he wanted, Hitler called on Ferdinand Porsche for the actual development. Since this was to be “the people’s car,” Porsche was tasked with two main objectives. The first was to insure that parts could be easily and affordably replaced. The second was to make sure the engine was air-cooled. Liquid coolant wasn’t as prevalent at the time, and considered to be more for luxury vehicles. Porsche, though more frequently associated with luxury vehicles, was able to achieve both objectives and the first Volkswagens became available in 1939. Interestingly, though the Beetle was supposed to be the people’s car, World War 2 limited production and only Germany’s elite could afford one. It wasn’t until after the war that production of the Beetle began to boom.
You can get a birth certificate. This is just for the classic Volkswagen Beetles made before production halted in 1979. As a point of clarification, there were Beetles being made up until 2003, but from 1979 to 2003, they were manufactured at a plant in Pueblo, Mexico for taxi fleets. As for the classic Beetles, they garnered so much interest that the Stiftung Auto Museum offers birth certificates as a way for owners to learn more about their cars. If you send them 50 Euro, they will send you a birth certificate; for 25 more, they will send you a data sheet to go with it. Be patient, though. This is a very popular program, so it may take months before your certificate arrives.
From telematics to heated mirrors. While the original Volkswagen Beetle may have been the most basic of cars, that was over 80 years ago. Today, the Beetle can come with up to 60 different available options, all while remaining “the people’s car.”
Stars in its own series of movies. How many cars can say they are the star of multiple movies? Well, other than Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater? The Volkswagen Beetle starred as Herbie in the 1968 film, The Love Bug. Herbie then came back for five sequels, including Herbie Fully Loaded in 2005.
