|
Volkswagen Beetles are instantly recognizable, but how much do you really know about them? The first Beetle was not known by its current name, but was called the “Type 1” car. In fact, it was not named the Beetle until 1967, when a German brochure first printed the name. During World War II, the Type 1 car was modified to use wood-burning boilers. The Beetle was engineered to help the common people; it was designed in a very simple way so that it would be inexpensive enough for nearly anyone to afford. Unfortunately, the cars had not been in production for very long before WWII broke out and effectively ended most production. The Volkswagen factory was bombed to the point that it was unusable, and it remained dormant until sometime near 1946. The factory was revived by a British officer’s idea that the cars could suit the needs of the army. 
The Beetle experienced a boom in popularity during the 1960’s and 1970’s. During this era, Volkswagen began promoting its signature vehicle through stylish new ads. The car was known for being very dependable; this trait could be traced to its beginnings as a “people’s car”. In the UK, Beetles were often used as by advertising agencies, complete with the company name emblazoned on the car body. They were also quite popular with the upper middle class. The young people took to the cars almost as much as did their American counterparts. Original Beetles are no longer produced anywhere in the world. The final Beetle was constructed in Puebla, Mexico and sent to the Volkswagen museum in style. By 2003, the number of original Beetles produced had topped 21 million. No other car style has had a run longer than the 58-year run enjoyed by the original Beetle. The good news is that you can still find a modern Beetle if you are in the market for a Volkswagen. Although the new Beetle does not have the signature rear-engine, its styling more than makes up for this change. Inside, you’ll find modern upholstery and air vents touched with chrome. The air bags give you an extra measure of safety that could not have been achieved in the original Beetle. If you want miles of style, the Luna version of the car is one of the most luxurious Beetles around. If you are more concerned with what’s under the hood, there are plenty of options for you! In the Beetle Cabriolet, you can specify which one of the five available engines you would like. Some of these engines are quite powerful for a compact car and offer lots of torque. You can even get a four-speed automatic transmission for those downtown drives. Be prepared to sacrifice legroom in the back seat. The car was designed to be small; that’s what makes it cute. The high ceiling will make back seat riders feel better about their seat, as it gives the car a nice, open feel. New Beetles are built very sturdily, with a rigid chassis that can handle a bumpy road without making you fear that your car will fall apart.
|
