Volkswagen Facts

-The idea for the Beetle came from Adolph Hitler, who while in prison in 1924 following the unsuccessful putsch on the Federal German capital. Hitler conceived of an idea to solve Germany's unemployment problem, the Government would build special roads (autobahns) for motor vehicles. He would also mass-produce a car ( the peoples car, the Volkswagen ) which the average man in the street would be able to buy. Nine years later ( February 1933 ) the Nazi party swept to power, and at the very first cabinet meeting Hitler raised the issue of the special roads. Work began on these roads in September 1933. The Design's for the Volkswagen were not finalized until 1933 and the Volkswagen finally saw the light of day in 1939, unfortunately the Second World War ceased production of the Volkswagen

- the Volkswagen Group is the third-largest automaker in the world.

- The Group is made up of eight brands from six European countries: Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, Škoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

-Beetle manufacture ceased at Wolfsburg in July 1974 and the Golf commenced. Beetle manufacture continued at Emden until noon on January 19th 1978. Karmann continued manufacturing the convertible until January 10th 1980 when German production of the world's most popular car ceased.

-Over the years larger engines were fitted to Beetles and slightly interior and exterior specifications were available. Front headlights changed from sloping to upright. The basic 1200 Beetle with minimum headlining and single bladed bumpers going through the front valance which later changed to European bumpers going through the wings. The 1300 with increased headlining and European bumpers. The 1500 with front disc brakes.