the icon that spans the ages

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More than a car, it’s an art of living. Anne-Laure Lane and her friends are lovers of this icon who has spanned the ages. “It’s always a good time. From the moment you’re behind the wheel of Choupette or behind the wheel of a Beetle, it’s a good time. It’s the good life” confides Anne-Laure Lane, owner of a Volkswagen Beetle

Unmistakable, it was voted car of the century and produced more than 21 million units, an absolute record and a love rating that has never been denied. Every year in France, thousands of enthusiasts gather to celebrate together their passion for the ladybug.

As in Dijon (Côte-d’Or), all models are represented, including the most famous of all, a real movie star. Philippe Bezzon, president of the Cox d’Or VW Club, explains: “The thing that made the ladybug extraordinary was the Walt Disney movie.” A Ladybug Love will popularize the car throughout the world. Five million Americans will buy a Beetle, despite the big sedans. She becomes the emblem of the Flower Power generation.

But this car with a singular destiny was initiated by the Nazi regime. Thierry Farges, automobile historian, specifies: “It was one of Adolf Hitler’s ideologies. The specifications were a simple, robust car, easy to build, which did not cost very much and which all the German people could buy.”

Production began on December 26, 1945, after the fall of the Nazi regime. The simplicity of its mechanics allows it to conquer all markets. Technically outdated, it continued its career in Pakistan, Ethiopia and Mexico where it was manufactured until 2003. After 65 years of service, the New Beetle will succeed it for a few years.