23 Awesome VW Beetles That Will Make Your Summer

Details

Written by: Tristan Kennedy

Last Updated: 05 Sep 2016

There’s no doubt that the original Volkswagen, known affectionately as the VW Beetle or VW Bug, is a design icon. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche in the 1930s, the car went on to become one of the most popular ever, with more than 21 million Beetles made from 1945, when production began properly, to 2003 when the final one rolled off the assembly line. To the surfers and hippies of the 60s the cars represented freedom, the outdoors and the chance to go wherever they wanted. Originally hailed as an example of the “economic miracle” of Germany’s post-war recovery, these affordable, easy-to-repair cars quickly became symbolic for another group – the long-haired surfers and hippies of the 60s for whom they represented freedom, the outdoors and the chance to go wherever they wanted. It’s no wonder then that people in general – and surfers especially – still love these cars today. And if you can get your hands on one of these, we can almost guarantee it’ll make your summer.

The Classic Beetle

An original VW Beetle in brilliant condition.

The Stretched Beetle

A limo-style variation in a fetching red

All Aboard the Beetle Train

One for a beachfront wedding party perhaps?

The Wrought Iron Beetle

Created by a company that’s more used to making gates and fences, this ornate bug has its bodywork replaced by wrought iron. Not practical when it’s wet perhaps, but it apparently still drives fine.

The Sleek and Sexy Beetle

Classic 50s styling. And that’s just the driver…

The Off Road Beetle

Looks like you could tackle the Camel Trophy in this one…

The Squashed by Surfboards Beetle

This one’s so overladen it looks like it’s been squashed!

The Baja California Beetle

Built to tackle anything the beach can throw at you.

The Baja Police Beetle

In case someone steals the previous one…

The Tank Beetle

The ultimate all-terrain car?

The US Army Jeep Beetle

One of the coolest customisation jobs we’ve ever seen…

The Modern Classic Beetle

Keeping it traditional even in the 21st century

The Beach Cruiser Beetle

Lowered with lidded lights for extra lazy steeze

The Hawaiian Soft Top Beetle

“Screw the canvas roof, let’s build our own one from a grass hut and bamboo”

The Matte Black Beast Beetle

Lowered and matte black – this is the kind of Beetle a pimp would drive

The Camper Van Beetle

One of the coolest camper conversions we’ve ever seen – how good is that paint job?

The Sunset Strip Beetle

Perfect for cruising round LA

The Inside Out Beetle

How’s that for a custom paint job?

The Pastel Soft Top Beetle

White and green, with chrome rims – a classic combo.

The Beetle and a Half

What do you do when you’ve got half an old beetle lying around? Simple, you turn it into a trailer for your Vespa…

The Hot Rod Beetle

Low, sleek and fucking flames down the side. What more could you want?

The Heavy Metal Beetle

It’s black with black flames licking up the bonnet. Do Beetles get much more rock n’ roll?

The Ocean Beckons Beetle

It’s the car that just says “get out there and explore” isn’t it?