VW Beetle - No Bug Spray Required!

This article is dedicated to a car known around the world. So famous that it was named the fourth most influential vehicle of the 20th century. Such a beloved design that it has only had three redesigns since its origination in the 30’s. Know by many names - Käfer, Maggiolino, Vocho - it's the pride & jewel of the Volkswagen fleet - The Beetle!

Where Do Bug’s Come From?

Before we go into the Beetle of today, it’s only right that we connect with the past. The car was meant to be a simple, cheap car affordable to the masses in pre-war Germany. It was commissioned by Adolf Hitler and designed by Ferdinand Porche.

During the war, only a small amount of vehicles were made for citizens, with the bulk of the cars from the VW plant being made for the military. After the war, the factory was reopened under British control with Major Ivan Hirst, whose first job was to remove an unexploded bomb that had fallen through the roof and become lodged between two pieces of irreplaceable machinery. Had the bomb exploded, that may have been it for the Beetle.

Even with an operational plant, Europe and America were averse to the Beetle as it didn't reflect the preferred vehicle style. Henry Ford even turned down control of the VW plant after the war believing there was nothing of value there. 

However, during the 50’s, European & American tastes began to favor the Beetle’s unique styling. It was seen as more comfortable and more powerful than similar sized cars of the time - having been designed for the higher speeds on the Autobahn. When the 60’s rolled, Beetle sales jumped thanks in part to clever advertising and a reputation of reliability.  Through the next few decades, Beetle production slowed with more competition from Asian manufacturers and a diversification of the VW lineup. Finally, in 2003, the Type 1 (original body style of the Beetle) came off the line and was sent to the company’s museum in Wolfsburg.

Today’s Beetle

In 1997, production of the appropriately named New Beetle began. It was a rounded out version of it’s predecessor, with the engine in front and storage in the rear. These units really struck a chord with consumers that wanted more modern designs, while maintaining the retro feel.

When production of the New Beetle ended, the current body style - simply named the Volkswagen Beetle - took over. It’s elongated front, throwback interior elements & super modern equipment have become super popular with enthusiasts and first timers alike.

Nowadays, this is one bug that's worth getting bitten by. Its availability in hardtop or convertible, manual or automatic, standout colors, a wide variety of creature comforts & three engine options - regular, tubro & turbo-diesel - there’s definitely a Beetle for you!

What's Next?

Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment or two below with your thoughts or comments on the Beetle - new or old. You can also call Witham Auto in Cedar Falls today to set up a test drive. Simply ask for me, Seth Hadenfeldt, to be your guide - 319-277-8123.