In 1938, the Volkswagen company came up with the idea of producing an affordable ‘people’s’ car which became known as the Beetle.
Since that time, it became a favourite around the world and was produced in huge numbers and different styles from then (with a move to military vehicles during the Second World War) until the last traditional Beetle was made in 1997.
Although not generally recognised for ‘good deeds’ the Nazi regime was responsible for encouraging Volkswagen to create this vehicle so that they could be seen driving along the newly built autobahns.
Anxious to take advantage of the popularity of the Beetle, Volkswagen designed and produced an updated version known as the ‘New Beetle which was roomier and slightly sportier but it didn’t find favour with the new generation of drivers and was taken out of production in 2003.
Love Bugs Parade honours one of the most iconic car brands, the VW Beetle in Brussels event
During its heyday, the Beetle was manufactured or assembled in no less than 16 different countries ranging from Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and Australia and although it was never produced in the USA, it was considered the vehicle of choice by surfers and hippies in the West Coast.
Part of its popularity was rekindled by a series of Disney films with the original Herbie – The Love Bug (a sentient Beetle) being one of the highest grossing movies of 1969 which was soon followed by a further four films all of which continued to promote Herbie to ardent film goers.
Love Bugs Parade promotes VW Beetle in Brussels and attracts large numbers of people
In 1965, the Belgian VW Club was created and now in its 60th year, it has just run its 16th Love Bugs Parade on February 15 in the Jubel Park in Brussels where some 300 Beetles were attracted from across Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg with all of those taking part asked by sponsors Autoworld Museum to dress their cars or themselves in typical 1960s livery.
The event was a huge success with many visitors enjoying and discovering the wide range of different versions of the Beetle from the traditional version, the Surf Van, split window versions and different types of military versions.
Those who lived in the UK at the time of the Beastie Boys and the release of their single Fight for the Right (To Party) in 1987 will remember the rash of VW logo thefts from cars as fans tried to emulate Beastie Mike D who wore a VW badge on a chain.
