Classic Volkswagen Beetle

Ugly, Like a Butterfly

Part 2 (Part 1)

The versatile classic Volkswagen Beetle was darn affordable. It became the first "second car” in many households of the 1950's and 60's. So who was buying the humble Bug? In Europe the Type 1 was sold to many first time buyers especially in the 50s and 60s. The prosperity and suburban lifestyle in North America saw a different situation. One that stimulated the need for a second and more practical commuter car.


It seems Veedub also gave a solution to the affordable student car, Mom's taxi and even a skier's ride to the slopes. In those days, not many Cadillacs were found in the parking lots of ski hills.

The iconic image of the Beetle went on to be included in many other ads by a variety of companies that had nothing to do with selling cars.

But if you wanted someone to notice your ad for a new toaster, just make sure a cute little Beetle-bug was in the background.

Never before had a symbol crept so deeply into popular culture and daily life. For a convincing example watch the old movie “Bullitt” with Steve McQueen. Count the number of classic Volkswagen Beetles in the now famous chase scene. They must have been multiplying on the set of the movie! So many Bugs a coincidence? Unlikely. Hollywood was pretty smart about those things.

Remember Herbie the Love Bug? Even Walt Disney knew the power of the cute little Beetle.

The wall of ads in the Funbugz museum in Coombs was always one of the most well liked exhibits.

Many a visitor was heard chuckling to themselves. Some would call a friend over to, “read this”. Admittedly, some of the ads aren't politically correct for today’s audience. But this hasn't kept the recent Mad Men television drama from it's wild success.

In the next installment coming soon (Part 3) we feature the Volkswagen Mad Men.

Also Coming Soon! Part 4 Funbugz and Friends Volkswagen Ad Gallery


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