VW Bug

[ply33]

This was in today's newspaper:

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/business/6182937.htm

I had thought that the old VW bug was last built a decade or two ago. Guess I was wrong.

Not sure when they actually went into production (do pre-WW2 prototypes count?) but it was originally designed in the 1930s. I doubt that any car in the future will have as long a production run as the old VW Bug.

[kuhner]

I still see brand new "grey market" air cooled, Mexican made, VWs for sale. Even one model with a full sliding canvas sunroof. They are sort of a weird mix of old and new re-designed parts.

I think 1936 was the first year for prototypes, and VW US has a '43. First official year in the US was '49, last year for sedan in US was '77 and convertible was '79.

If you were at Carlisle last week that was my '56 going for its Senior.

The attached file is a copy of the prototype at the VW museum in Germany.

[Guest DeSoto Frank]

The German take on Pierce-Arrow headlamp mounting?

This looks neat- kind of more "swoopy" than the production Bug - love those suicide doors!

Tod- I think the planet is running out of countries in which to manufacture & market a fifty+ year-old car!

My wife has a 2000 "Neue Beetle", but in spite of its creature comforts (like heat & A/C, and the dash-mounted bud vase for the plastic "hippie flowers" <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />), I don't think it quite captures the emphasis of utility and practicality that the original K-D-F-wagen represented. I can't sit up straight in the damn back seat- I have to lean forward and toward the center of the car! (And I don't meet the minimum height requirements for the NBA either!)

It's somewhat interesting that Buddy Hacket ("Tennesee Steinmetz"in "The Love Bug") and the "real" Beetle both entered into immortality within a week of each other. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

I would like to give you guys an update on the VW Bug from where it was created and a breif evolution of the this icon.

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

1933 - F. Porsche is asked by A. Hilter to create a car that is economical for the people of Germany.

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

1939 - 3 prototypes are in final stages. 1 convertible, hardtop and a sliding rad top. The 'vert nd hardtop were destroyed in accidents. The sliding ragtop has never been recorded for since 1940.

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

1939-1944 - War time production of the K-D-F or [strength through joy] was placed on fast forward with a payment plan by making payments and holding onto a stamp booklet showing all payments. The kublewagen was the war time automobile that had the ability to become amphibous.

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

1948 - 1st Bug imported into the US. [split window]

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

1952 - last of the split windows and the start of the Oval's

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

1958 - Smaller rectangle window. Larger viewing area was safer. From here the windows progressed and became larger and larger.

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

1967 - Last year Wolfsburg produced a sliding rag top beetle. Dealers though had them custom fitted for owners.

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The super beetle/mexican beetle from there is history. Are there little things I am leaving out, YES[just to many to list]! You can read up on the history, sport and love of the VW at http://www.thesamba.com .

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I would highely recomend it. Heck... you might just fall in love with one again and have to get it.

Just 2 BUG U

Matt Coppens