The Volkswagen Beetle: The People's Car

What happened

Designed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1930s Germany as an affordable 'people's car,' the Volkswagen Beetle went into full civilian production under British military oversight in 1945 and became a global phenomenon. Cheap, reliable, and instantly recognizable, it was built in 19 countries and embraced everywhere from postwar Europe to 1960s American counterculture. When the last one rolled off a Mexican line in 2003, more than 21 million had been made — making it, in its original form, the best-selling car design in history.

Why it matters

The Beetle did for much of the world what the Model T had done for America, putting millions of ordinary families on wheels. It proved that a simple, well-made small car could conquer the globe and become a beloved cultural icon.

Sources

• National Motor Museum. Volkswagen Export Type I Beetle · Reputable source