A brief history of the Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle, officially known as the Type 1, was produced from 1938-2003 by Volkswagen. The need for a ‘People’s Car’ was part of Adolf Hitler’s plan for Germany, he wanted a cheap, mass-produced vehicle.

In April of 1934, Hitler requested Ferdinand Porsche develop the ‘Volkswagen’, literally translating to People’s Car. The car had to be able to sustain cruising on Germany’s Autobahn and be simple to maintain and easy to produce.

Pre-WWII Production:

Before the outbreak of war in Europe the KDF wagon began production. Kraft Durch Freude the official leisure activity department of the Nazi party was abbreviated for the model, the abbreviation means Strength Through Joy.

Around 210 KdF-Wagens were built before civilian production was halted and the Type 1 production line was converted for military production.

Wartime Production:

During WWII a handful of KdF-wagen models were produced, mainly for the Nazi elite. The first convertible model being delivered to Adolf Hitler himself. The majority of production during the war, however, was focused on military vehicles including the Kommandeurswagen, a four-wheel-drive version of the Type 1.

Post War:

Thanks to British Army Officer – Major Ivan Hirst, Type 1 production began again and by 1946 the factory, now in the renamed Wolfsburg, was producing 1000 cars per month. The First 1785 Volkswagen Beetles were built in 1945.

50s Models:

Several changes were made to the beetle during the 1950s, the rear window of the original cars evolved from a split oval to a full oval window, an increase in engine displacement that increased power from 30bhp to 36bhp.

By 1956 the Beetle received its now-iconic twin-chrome tailpipes and models destined for North America were fitted with taller bumpers and tubular over-rider bars.

60s Models:

1960s models received a front anti-roll bar to improve handling along with a hydraulic steering damper. Power increased to 40bhp and in 1962 for the first time, the Beetle was available with a fuel level gauge.

In 1965 the biggest change to date was made to the Beetle. Most of the body pressing tools were received which allowed for significantly larger windows. The result was an airier, modern appearing car.

By 1967 you could buy a Volkswagen Beetle with a 1500cc engine and over 50hp, redesigned rear suspension and a 12-volt electrical system.

70s Models:

The 1970s brought more development for the humble Volkswagen beetle, the Super beetle 1302/1302S allowed for the fitment of MacPherson strut front suspension and even more refinements to the experience of owning and driving a beetle.

Production Around The World:

The beetle was hit around the world, and production took place in Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and Australia to name just a few places. The longest-standing being Mexico, where the production of the Type 1 Beetle ended in 2003.

By the end of production, the beetle was available with fuel-injected electronically controlled engines and still continues to be used every day thanks to their reliability and dependability.