[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/cult-classics-vw-beetle\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/cult-classics-vw-beetle\/","headline":"Cult Classics: VW Beetle","name":"Cult Classics: VW Beetle","description":"It\u2019s hard to imagine that there was once a time before the VW Beetle, as these iconic vehicles seem to have always been around! Their quirky curves conjure up images of the sixties and it\u2019s just an all-round \u2018fun\u2019 little car. Work started on the Beetle in Germany back in 1934 and now it is one of the oldest and best selling cars of all time. The first of its kind rolled off the production line in 1938 and after […]","datePublished":"2017-10-10","dateModified":"2018-12-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/VW-Beetle-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/VW-Beetle-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/cult-classics-vw-beetle\/","about":["CLASSIC CARS","Volkswagen"],"wordCount":359,"keywords":["beetle","classic car","Cult classic","volkswagen","vw"],"articleBody":"It\u2019s hard to imagine that there was once a time before the VW Beetle, as these iconic vehicles seem to have always been around!Their quirky curves conjure up images of the sixties and it\u2019s just an all-round \u2018fun\u2019 little car. Work started on the Beetle in Germany back in 1934 and now it is one of the oldest and best selling cars of all time.The first of its kind rolled off the production line in 1938 and after the world was introduced to the original Beetle look and sound, there have been only two big redesigns over the last 80 years. This just goes to show that the styling was a massive hit and appeals to all generations, as this VW is instantly recognisable to everyone.Success for the VW BeetleAs of 1972, the \u2018Bug\u2019 overtook the Model-T as the longest-running, most-manufactured car in history and it\u2019s rare for a vehicle to sell in such large quantities without undergoing many big design changes. Perhaps best known as the star of Disney\u2019s \u2018Herbie\u2019 movies, the Beetle\u2019s unique looks and character won our hearts and went on to be one of Volkswagen\u2019s most popular models.In the 50\u2019s buyers were offered a convertible option and from \u201971 to \u201979, Volkswagen produced the \u2018Super Beetle\u2019. The New Beetle was then launched in 1998 in America, offering more power whilst still retaining the classic shape.The modern-day VW BeetleOver the years, safety has been greatly improved and an inline four-cylinder engine added to power the front wheels, with only a few other minor tweaks along the way.One of automotive history\u2019s big success stories, you may be surprised to find out that the distinctive shape of the VW Beetle was originally designed to strengthen the car, not to give it a cute appearance – that was just a lucky coincidence!The cult classic status of this car is hard to deny, as not only is the design a triumph visually but it also provides plenty of space for passengers and storage. Even the newest Beetles are still rightly clinging to the vintage elements that gained Volkswagen such a loyal fan-base."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Classic Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/classic-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Cult Classics: VW Beetle","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/cult-classics-vw-beetle\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]