And perhaps Adolf Hitler, as well.
I envy you, I owned three VW beetles, a '64, '67 and a '71. They were the best cars I've ever owned, dependable, fun to drive, economical, easy to work on. Their legions of devoted fans will ensure an after-market source of spare parts that will never run dry.
I used to autocross and gymkhana the first two, and even placed in one SCCA rally! On a tight course, nothing from Detroit could keep up with me around the pylons. I left the engine stock but I modified the suspension slightly (Koni shocks, Pirelli Cinturato radials, heavy-duty front-end sway bar and a camber compensator in the back. The beast could corner like a rat in a drainpipe.
In addition to phenomenal handling with the right driver in the saddle, the performance was not all that bad. A top speed of 72, 0-60 in 22 seconds, but with a close-ratio 4-speed geared for traffic, it was very nimble on the commute and a joy on a curvy road. And of course, they were legendary snow and off-road cars. Highway mileage at top speed was in the low thirties, in town, high twenties.
And there's nothing like that "old VW smell". Thanks for the memories, and best of luck with your bug.
Current Events » in reply to re: We can thank Henry Ford for this.
We can thank Ferry Porsche for this.