This example of the funny little creature was brought to us by its French owner at the beginning of 2023. Unfortunately, several minor accident damages were hidden under the paintwork, which had a negative impact on the restoration time and also on the costs. Apart from the bodywork, we overhauled the entire chassis and the transmission. Part of the final assembly was carried out by the owner.
Encyclopedia
The Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the VW Type 1, is one of the most famous and best-selling cars in the world. Designed in the 1930s by Ferdinand Porsche and inspired by various similar developments in the early 1930s, its mass production began after World War II and continued into the early 21st century. The Beetle embodies a unique combination of simple, reliable technology, distinctive design and affordable price, which made it a symbol of the post-war economic miracle.
The Beetle's distinctive design is recognizable around the world: a rounded, dome-shaped body, a protruding trunk and front-mounted headlights. Its rear-engine layout and use of a platform chassis construction were innovative for its time and contributed to its distinctive handling. The air-cooled boxer engine was simple, robust and easy to maintain, making the Beetle particularly popular with people looking for a low-maintenance vehicle.
With its compact size and efficient fuel consumption, the Beetle was ideal for urban use and small families. Over the years, the Beetle's design was slightly modified, but its basic shape and mechanical concept remained essentially unchanged. This consistency contributed to its iconic status and made the Beetle a symbol of reliability and durability.
The Volkswagen Beetle played an important role in automotive culture. It was sold in many countries around the world and even assembled locally in some. Its popularity spanned several decades and generations of drivers. The Beetle was also present in pop culture, most notably in the Herbie film series, where it was portrayed as a living car with its own personality.
Production of the original Beetle ended in Mexico in 2003. In total, over 21 million units were produced, making the Beetle the best-selling single model in automotive history up to that point. Today, the VW Beetle is a popular collector's item and a nostalgic symbol of simplicity and reliability in the automotive industry.
