“Beetle Car”: Reminiscing the Eastern Jewel

Beneath the dazzling advertisement boards, the “Beetle” remained composed. (Photo: Internet)

Volkswagen Beetle – From Necessity to Passion

Manufactured by Volkswagen in 1935, few people are aware that this car model was originally proposed by dictator A.Hitler with the purpose of producing a car range that could be purchased by anyone in Germany, including ordinary workers.

The factory was situated in Wolfsburg and initially produced a limited number of cars to satisfy domestic demand. Following World War II, the Beetle began to be mass-produced for export with a 4-cylinder air-cooled engine and a displacement of 1131 cc. When it entered the US market in 1950, VW emerged as a strong brand and surpassed Ford – a company that had dominated the automobile market at that time.

In Vietnam, following the signing of the Geneva Agreement on July 20, 1954, the Americans introduced numerous types of vehicles for both military and civilian purposes. In addition to Ford, GMC, and Chrysler, there was also Volkswagen, represented by the Beetle – a popular car model in the US during that era. The “turtle shell” quickly became a familiar sight on the streets of glamorous Saigon.

At that time, it could be said that if there were 10 cars on the road, 4 to 5 would be “turtle shells”. With its practical design, sturdy structure, and timeless classic appearance, the Beetle captured the hearts of both young gentlemen and wealthy princesses. Consequently, the “beetle” became the dream of the people of former Saigon.

I once heard a story about an architecture student before 1975 who was so captivated by the “beetle” that he had to “borrow” half the price of the car from his best friend. Over time, when his friend wanted to repurchase the car, he not only refused to sell it but instead returned it to his friend. The open-mindedness of the Saigonese combined with their love for cars resulted in a love story of that nature.

Reviving the Dream Amidst Challenges

Following years of national liberation, the scarcity of skilled mechanics and the introduction of motorcycles, which matched the transportation needs of the Saigonese at that time, led to a decline in the number of “turtle shells”. It was believed that this once-famous car model would only exist in old photographs cherished by those who yearned for the past. However, thanks to the passion of car enthusiasts, the “beetle” was revived and proudly cruised the streets of Saigon once again.

Fully restored “beetles” by enthusiasts.

Bringing an old car like the “beetle” back to life requires not only money but also time and effort on the part of the players. The restoration process usually takes a minimum of several months, or even a year. According to a longtime “beetle” player, purchasing a simple car for $1000 – $2000 and restoring it to its original condition costs tens of thousands of dollars due to the scarcity of “beetle” spare parts on the market, which sometimes need to be imported from neighboring countries. The main colors of the “beetle” are only white, black, and blue, but the owner can freely choose any color that reflects their personality.

Those who play with “beetles” must also endure the scorching heat of Saigon during the summer because these cars were specifically designed for the European market with an air-cooling system. Furthermore, since they were designed a long time ago, they do not have air conditioning, which is quite understandable.

Despite the challenges and difficulties, these “beetle” enthusiasts have found harmony with one another. They get to know each other through post-dinner conversations and bond through their journeys and experiences with their “old beetles.” During long trips, “beetles” often “misbehave,” so the owners must “understand” their cars.

After enduring the tremendous changes in Saigon over the years, the “beetle” still exists, surviving the passage of time thanks to the hands and love of its players. They cherish the “beetle” as if it were a member of their own family because they want to preserve the nostalgic memories of a long-gone “Far Eastern Pearl”.

• VW Beetle Convertible Denim special edition price announced
• Customers can now order Volkswagen Beetle Dune
• Volkswagen unveils upgraded Beetle version

Thanh Phan (Trithucthoidai)

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