It was all Adolf Hitler's fault. He requested that a small, inexpensive, but tough and reliable, car be made that would satisfy the needs of the German people. That was back in 1939. In 1960 the Beetle was the top-selling import in America. Here are a couple of VWs that are of the same vintage as the one I was talking about above:
Did you notice the small rear window? It is newer than the ones with a split rear window but older than the ones with the large rear window. This is the style we had and the one below is the color that we had:
These cars bring back a lot of good memories for me, so it is fitting that I post about the last production day of the Beetle. Now, you all have a great day, you hear?
I have fond memories of the Beetle as well, although I never owned one myself. It was just too good to be true where gas mileage was concerned and I think the American industry just doesn't want any kind of car that gets excellent mileage, even though we have the capability if we wanted it.
ReplyDeleteI saw one with sign on its back that read "You Just Got Passed by 32 Horsepower".
DeleteI love those old Bugs. Never owned one, but they were fun to drive. I have my eye on a newer version with a diesel engine. Guy I know is selling one.
ReplyDeleteYes, they sure were fun. If the small diesels are as dependable as the CAT I got in the RV, the motor will outlast the vehicle.
DeleteI thought they quit making them in the 70s! I've ridden in them, but never driven one. I have owned and driven a few Corvairs though.
ReplyDeleteThey were being made in Puebla, Mexico. That is where the last one was made in 2003.
DeleteSince they were manufactured in Puebla, Mexico and were relatively affordable, a high percentage of working class Mexicans owned these cars.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of the taxis at the time were VW and I remember boarding one at the Mexico City airport and holding on to my mother for dear life as those taxi drivers thought they were participating in the Indy 500.
I always wanted a VW van but they were not as reliable as these little cars known as "Vochos" in Mexico.
The one my Dad had came from Germany. They were a popular car all over the world. Best VW ever made.
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