Volkswagen

Volkswagen (VW) is an automobile manufacturer based in Wolfsburg, Germany. It forms the core of Volkswagen AG (VAG), one of the world's four biggest car producers.

Cult status of Beetle

Like its competitors, the Mini and the Citroën 2CV, the original-shape Beetle long outlasted predictions of its lifespan. More so than those cars, it maintains a very strong following worldwide, being regarded as something of a "cult" car since its 1960s association with the hippie movement. Currently there is a wide array of clubs that are concerned with the beetle. The fans are quite diverse. Looks include the resto-look, Callook, German-look, resto-Callook, buggies, Baja bug's, old school, ratlook, etc. Part of their cult status is attributed to being one of a few cars with an air-cooled engine design and the consequent ease of repair and modification as opposed to the more conventional and technically complex watercooled engine design.

Related Topics:
Mini - Citroën 2CV - 1960s - Hippie - Callook - Buggies - Baja bug - Old school - Air-cooled

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By 2002 there had been over 21 million produced.

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On July 21, 2003, the last old-style Volkswagen Beetle rolled off its production line in Puebla, Puebla, Mexico. It was car number 21,529,464 of the model, and was immediately shipped off to the company's museum in Wolfsburg, Germany. In true Mexican fashion, a mariachi band serenaded the last car in the 68-year-old history. The last car was nicknamed El Rey, which is Spanish for "The King".

Related Topics:
July 21 - 2003 - Volkswagen Beetle - Puebla, Puebla - Mexico - Wolfsburg, Germany - Mariachi

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In the United States, most notably in California, Volkswagen enthusiasts frequent large V.W. themed car shows, especially in the summer months. Many of these shows feature camping, a car show called a "show 'n' shine", drag racing, parts swap meet, raffles, and other events. Die-hard and loyal "VW-heads" attend these shows regularly, often travelling 500 miles or more to attend their favorite event.

Related Topics:
United States - California

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In the winter, a group of drivers of the "split bus" model (1951-1967 micro-busses, trucks, campers, and panel vans) drive from Guernville CA, to Mt.Shasta CA, entirely on unpaved jeep roads. This event is called the "Mt. Shasta Snow Trip Challenge" and is a good example of VW enthusiasts' trust in the durability of their often 40-year-old cars.

Related Topics:
Winter - Guernville - Mt.Shasta

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