The Volkswagen Beetle

Designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche of Auto Union, for the German Government, the first car produced was the Beetle. 

The iconic car had an innovative streamlined body, an air-cooled flat four, 23.5 bhp, four stroke engine mounted at the rear of the car. 

The Beetle was intended for mass production at affordable prices and suitable for the German autobahns that were being constructed at the time.  

It is a controversial historical detail that the manufacturing plant was opened by Adolf Hitler who wanted for Germany what Henry Ford had done for the USA, and 'put the nation on wheels.'

With over 21.5 million Beetles sold around the World, the distinctive and reliable car gained popularity in Britain because of its affordability and economy, making it an attractive option for many families.  It even became a cultural icon, thanks in part to its appearance in movies like "Herbie" and its wider association with the peace movement. We have our own Beetle on display in our We Had One of Those exhibition.

We Had One of Those - the VW Beetle

As testament to the popularity of Volkswagen cars in Britain here is a selection of VW badges in our staff car park at Beaulieu yesterday!