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Commissioned by Adolph Hitler and designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the Volkswagen became the most popular car in the world. Based on Porsche's 1933 Type 32, the car was to be able to travel 100 kilometers on 7 liters of gas (40 mpg) with a top speed of 100 kph. In 1939, the first prototypes were built and a huge new factory was constructed. In one of life's supreme ironies, it took the British (after WW II) to finally get the car produced in the quantities envisioned by Hitler.
FM's Beetle die cast model in 1:24 scale-in white and yellow-is not rich in those features we all appreciate these days. The detailing is nevertheless on the money and accurate. The paint is also up to par. My only quibble is, considering what you can get for $90 these days (i.e. - the C5 Vettes), the price should be dropped to $75. FM is probably counting on a strong nostalgia element to keep sales going.
The thrifty little VW Beetle is still being built and sold in some parts of the world. How many car models can you name that have had a sixty-year run? As if in tribute, VW has put out a new version of the Beetle and it seems destined to be as popular with the car buying public as its predecesor. The issue price is $90. (05/17/1999)
(04/30/1999)
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