The VW Beetle is one of the most famous cars in history. The Beetle model shown here is from the year 1955, made in a scale of 1/18 by AUTOart Millennium. The original Beetle was first produced in 1938 and has become an iconic, reliable vehicle over the generations. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the Beetle was meant to be an affordable car for everyone. Production started under the name "KdF-Wagen," and technically, it succeeded the Porsche 60, though the latter never reached production stage. Interestingly, the Beetle gained immense popularity after World War II, serving as a symbol of the economic miracle and mobility in the 1950s and early 1960s.
The VW Beetle from 1955 belongs to the second generation produced from 1949 to 1959. It was equipped with an air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine producing 25 horsepower (PS) and just under 1.2 liters of displacement. These simple specs contributed to its reliability and ease of maintenance, leading to its widespread adoption worldwide. The car features a distinct, round, and compact body shape that gives it its characteristic appearance. An interesting detail is the rear-mounted engine arrangement, allowing for a relatively spacious interior. Despite its modest engine, the Beetle could reach a top speed of around 100 km/h (62 mph).
The model presented in the 1/18 scale is made of sturdy diecast material, ensuring stability and accurate detailing. As a collector's item, the model from the AUTOart Millennium series offers a faithful representation of the VW Beetle, distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail. The beige paint job is striking and reminiscent of the original's classic look. The model boasts authentic license plates displaying the year 1955 both at the front and rear. Additionally, the bumpers, headlights, and VW badges are replicated authentically with a metallic finish. The interior detailing, as far as the photos show, captures all essential features of the original, including the distinctive round gauges and simple steering wheel.
To understand the historical context of the VW Beetle from 1955, it's important to note some events from that year: In 1955, the famous rock-and-roll anthem "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley was released, and the Cold War was at its peak with the formation of the Warsaw Pact. These examples highlight the era and indicate the timeline within which the Beetle's automotive history unfolded. The year 1955 was also marked by technological advancements and economic growth, contributing to the proliferation of vehicles like the Beetle and elevating it to a symbol of mobility and freedom.