Car Features
Volkswagen Beetle: Celebrating one of the most iconic cars of all time
A weekend drive with Volkswagen Beetle owners reminds us of the car’s iconic status
The origins of the car that would eventually be known as the Volkswagen Beetle are very interesting. Since the 1920s, there had been talk in German engineering and political circles about how to build a car that the masses could afford – a people’s car, a ‘Volkswagen’. Ultimately, the Beetle would enter production towards the end of 1945, and while people didn’t know it then, it would go on to become one of the world’s most iconic cars.
Over the years, the Beetle went on to transform from a mass-market offering in its initial avatar to a lifestyle product that shared little in common with the original except its iconic design. And while you might question its practicality or price tag, the appeal of the Beetle is longer based on rationality. It’s about the cute face, the curves, it is a reminder of a simpler, more joyful time. The Volkswagen Downtown Mumbai dealership recently invited us to join a community drive organised for owners of the Beetle in and around the city.
It was a pleasure to see four Beetles in eye-popping colours standing outside the Volkswagen Downtown Mumbai dealership on a Sunday morning – shot by Harsh Patil
Since its inception in 2009, Volkswagen Downtown Mumbai is one of the most popular Volkswagen dealerships in the city, and it was a pleasure to see four Beetles in eye-popping colours standing outside the dealership in Prabhadevi on a Sunday morning. You have to remember that the Beetle was designed during a different time – a time before designers wished to elicit shock-and-awe reactions that would be subject to continuous debates on Instagram. And in comparison to the plain Jane cars rolling down Mumbai’s streets, a Beetle stands out in stark contrast. Especially if it’s in brighter colours like what you see here.
Even though the silhouette might be over half a century old in principle, people of all ages stop and stare on seeing a Volkswagen Beetle – shot by Harsh Patil
Even though the silhouette might be over half a century old in principle, even as the convoy set off from the dealership in Prabhadevi towards the iconic Horniman Circle in South Mumbai, people of all ages stop and stare, pointing and declaring, “Ae, that’s a Beetle.” That’s the sort of reaction you hardly get even with the supercars that find themselves prowling on Mumbai’s streets during their Sunday joyrides. Sure, a Beetle is not going to win traffic light GPs. Neither is it going to cosset you in comfort – even the newer Beetle here has a fairly basic interior that includes the simplest of creature comforts. But this is something that has never been a top criteria for someone wanting to own a Beetle.
Srinivas Krishnan has owned this Volkswagen Beetle for the past 25 years
Just take the example of Srinivas Krishnan, who owns the bright, lime green example that you see here. “I’ve been a Beetle owner for the last 25 years. Actually, I should not call this my Beetle – I should call her my first wife!” he chuckles as he looks back at his car with admiration. But he isn’t just an admirer of the Beetle because he owns one, and he goes on to explain that the brand has genuine automotive cachet. “The Beetle is historic. It is one of the best-known cars in the world. It is one of the most well-sold cars ever, so it is hugely popular. There should be more and more celebration of this car in India and in other parts of the world, and we love what this relationship is all about – this love for the Beetle,” he explains matter-of-factly.
Be it an older Beetle or a newer one, these cars pack in lots of character – something that can be hard to find in newer offerings. Twenty, or even fifty years on from today, we might not even remember some of the EVs that are all the rage today. But cars like the Beetle? They haven’t just made it to the automotive hall of fame – they’ve earned a permanent place in our hearts.
