The Volkswagen Beetle originally came on the scene in Germany in 1938 after the dictator Adolf Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche to develop an affordable and reliable vehicle for Germans. Volkswagen actually means “people’s car” in German referring to Hitler’s desire for more Germans to have access to automobiles.
Adolf Hitler was obviously a war criminal and committed grand scale atrocities against humanity, but the Beetle has stood the test of time as one of the most impressive automobiles ever created. Its original design predates Hitler’s rise to power.
A Hungarian student named Béla Barényi created the design in 1925, which was then stolen by Volkwagen. In 1953, Barényi successfully proved in court that he designed the original idea.
The Beetle has an incredibly rich history, but that’s not the only reason it’s one of our favorites here at Classic Auto. Here are seven reasons why we absolutely love this car.
#1. Reliable
Although Volkswagen mass-produced the Beetle — they created over 21 million from 1938 to 2003 — that doesn’t mean they skipped out on designing and releasing high-quality automobiles.
Unlike many classic vehicles, the Beetle doesn’t require a great deal of upkeep to keep on the road. As long as you have it serviced regularly with oil changes, tire rotations, and tire pressure checks, you can keep it on the road for years.
#2. Easier to Find Replacement Parts
One incredibly common issue with owning a classic vehicle is finding replacement parts. Classic motor enthusiasts often need to search for unique and rare parts to keep their cars on the road, which is often incredibly expensive, and sometimes, it’s impossible to find exactly what they need.
Fortunately, the Beetle doesn’t require expensive and rare replacement parts. You should be able to find everything you need in a vehicle parts store or on the internet for a relatively affordable price.
#3. Easy to Repair
Many classic cars can be challenging to fix and require special mechanics. Many classic car owners have trouble finding a qualified mechanic to fix their vehicle problems. The Volkswagen Beetle, on the other hand, is relatively easy to fix most of the time.
Those with knowledge about cars can often diagnose and correct issues with Volkswagen Beetles without needing a specialty mechanic. This can also save you money in the long run because repair costs can add up quickly.
#4. Fuel-Efficient
Speaking of money, the Volkswagen Beetle offers drivers incredible fuel efficiency. When Adolf Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche to create the vehicle, he requested that it come with an air-cooled engine with 32 miles to the gallon. The original Beetle came with an air-cooled 60.7 cubic inch flat-four engine with 25 horsepower.
Although the vehicle was designed to be highly fuel-efficient, it was not designed for speed. It could originally only reach speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. Eventually, the vehicle received much-needed performance upgrades after World War II with the final original Beetle sporting 40 horsepower.
#5. Affordable
As we noted above, the Beetle was originally created so that more Germans could have access to automobiles. To accomplish this feat, Volkswagen utilized Béla Barényi’s simple designs. This no-frills vehicle remains highly affordable to this day with some models selling for only $10,000.
#6. Customizable
Although the Beetle is a simple car, its simplicity also makes it highly customizable for Beetle owners. You can easily customize the exterior, and you can also upgrade it to your liking. Additionally, you can find parts online to upgrade your vehicle.
#7. Enjoyable
Finally, the Beetle is a highly enjoyable vehicle to drive because of its compact size. The vehicle has a length of only 160 inches and a width of 60 inches. The wheelbase is only 94.5 inches. The Beetle’s curbside weight ranges between 1,760 to 1,850 pounds while the average vehicle is a whopping 4,156 pounds in comparison. Its compact size and light weight make it a highly enjoyable ride.
Protect Your Old Volkswagen Beetle or Another Vintage Vehicle
Every great car needs premium insurance, and that includes the durable insurance for your Volkswagen Beetle. Whether you need protection on your classic Beetle or another vehicle, you can count on Classic Auto Insurance for affordable and robust car insurance. Contact us today at 888-901-1338, or you can click here to get an instant quote.
