Many icons were created and came out of the 1960's "peace movement", but none was so beloved as the ever present Volkswagen Beetle. Whether it was because of its' size and performance or because of its low price and economical use, it seems that whenever you see a picture of the 60's, somewhere in the photo is a VW Beetle.
Originally designed in 1934 by German engineeers, it was a response to Adolf Hitlers declaration that a vehicle should not be a privilege for the rich alone. He challenged the German automotive industry to produce a vehicle which would be economical and cost effective for everyone. Hitler directed this task to be lead by chief designer Ferdinand Porsche who would later be described as "the most famous designer of all time".
By the late 1930's three prototypes had been designed and were far enough along that Hitler ordered a study to find a suitable location for a factory to build the new car. By 1938 a location had been chosen in the area of Low Sassonia, near the Castle of Wolfsburg. A grand celebration took place to break ground for the new factory. The original name for the new design was the KDF Wagen (Kraft Durch Freude Wagen) or "Car of the force by means of joy", a name chosen by Hitler himself. The new car was introduced to the public in 1939 at the Hall of Berlin.
By the time the first KDF Wagen had rolled off the assembly line, Germany had invaded Poland and the factory was soon militarized with orders to design a military use vehicle. Several changes and variations took place during the War years and the factory was heavily financed by the German government. By May 1945, the factory had suffered from Allied Bombardment and only one-third of the buildings survived. The factory was in danger of being demolished, but was finally saved and put under the management of Heinz Nordhoff.
In 1946, production of the VW Beetle would be restarted with limited quantities being built due to a lack of materials. Each year would see an increase in the number of vehicles being produced. Ferdinand Porsche had been taken prisoner during the war and placed in a jail in France. It was not until 1949 that he was declared innocent and allowed to return to Germany. It is said that by the time he returned, there were several VW Beetles driving along the German roadways, causing Porsche to be moved to tears by the sight of his design being so well received. He would die in January of 1951.
In the next few years, Volkswagen Beetles would begin to be exported to countries like Holland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Sweden, Belgium and of course the United States itself. By the early 1950's, production facilities for the VW would be built in South America, the United States and in Mexico. Sales of the popular vehicle continued to grow worldwide, challenging other automotive designers to create vehicles which could compete with the VW. But it would continue to be a favorite vehicle of working class as well as young people all around the world.
The Beetle's sales began to slowly decline during the 80's and 90's as buyers began to demand larger and more sporty vehicles. But Volkswagen would reintroduce the popular Beetle with a brand new design in the late 90's, which spurred a resurgence of interest in the long-running brand. The VW Beetle continues to be a popular vehicle especially for young people, and as gas prices continue going up and the economy slows down, we are sure to see a new interest in the beloved Beetle.
For more information about the history of the Beetle, please go to http://www.maggiolinoweb.it/history.html
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