Description
A savings plan with which every German in the Third Reich can afford their own 'Volkswagen'. The political idea of the Volkswagen Beetle comes from Adolf Hitler, the technical elaboration is his Ferdinand Porsche. Initially, the Second World War threw a spanner in the works, but from 1945 onwards the Beetle finally reached the people. The real success begins in 1947, when exports start - to start with the Netherlands. The Volkswagen Beetle subsequently became the most popular car in the world. He becomes the symbol for post-war economic recovery and - how ironic - individual freedom. In the 60s, the Volkswagen Beetle 1200 was the family car par excellence. Nevertheless, the Beetle almost becomes the downfall of the Volkswagen brand. This is because the outdated concept of the rear-mounted, air-cooled vehicle has been adhered to for too long boxer engine and rear-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive Volkswagens Passat, Scirocco and Golf in the 70s just in time to avoid bankruptcy. German production of the Volkswagen Beetle stopped in 1978, in Mexico the model ran off the production line until 2003.
The Volkswagen Beetle 1200 was the people's car of the 60s. Although the pre-war design survived in Mexico until 2003, a lot has changed over the years. The 'spectacled beetle' and the 'oval' were replaced by a Beetle generation with a large rear window. From 1960 onwards a boxer engine with 34 hp could be found in the rear of the Export model. At the same time the synchronized gearbox and indicator lights were introduced. At the time, the solid Beetle was very popular, now it is a cult car whose prices are rising rapidly. The Volkswagen brand name also works wonders for these oldies.
