The Volkswagen Beetle is the longest running and most manufactured car of a single design platform worldwide. The Type 1 has been a cult classic since its association with the hippie movement and surf culture of the 1960s. Today enthusiasts still flock to car shows and meets to share their love of the Bug. The Beetle has had many big screen appearances, including as 'Herbie' in Disney's The Love Bug.

Volkswagen Type 1 (1938 - 2011)

The Volkswagen Type 1 was produced for sixty-five years. Originally a Nazi concept, Hitler contracted Porsche to design and build the Type 1 to his exacting standards. It took from 1934 to 1938 for the design to be finalised. The Type 1 was its internally designated name, with it sold simply as the Volkswagen, which means 'people's car' in German. The car was a utilitarian design that was capable of transporting two adults and three children at 62 mph along Germany's new autobahns, while not falling below 39 mpg. All parts were designed to be quickly and inexpensively replaced when worn. The Volkswagen was available to people of the Third Reich through a savings scheme.

Mass production of the Volkswagen commenced after the factory reopened following a halt in production and bombing of the factory during the Second World War. The model became widely known in Germany as the Kafer (German for 'beetle') and was later marketed as such. Production increased dramatically under the directorship of Heinz Nordhoff from 1949 with the one-millionth car coming off the assembly line by 1955. By 1973 total production was over 16 million, and by 23rd June 1992 over 21 million had been produced.

Sales of the Type 1 began to decline in the mid-1970s due to increased competition. Production at Volkswagen's Wolfsburg factory switched to the Golf in 1974, although production of the Beetle continued in smaller numbers at other factories in Germany until 1978, when mainstream production shifted to Brazil and Mexico where operating costs were much lower. The final Beetle was produced in Mexico in July 2003. The final batch of 3,000 were sold as 2004 models and badged at the Ultima Edicion.

New Beetle (1997 To 2011)

The New Beetle, based on the Golf IV's PQ34 platform, was introduced in 1997. Although its retro styling was reminiscent of the Type 1 it's a modern front-engined, front-wheel drive car. A convertible was added to the lineup mid-2003. The New Beetle was available with a range of engines, from the 1.4 L I4 16v to the 3.2 L VR6 24v only available on the special edition Beetle RSi. The transmission options were five- and six-speed manuals, four-speed automatic and a six-speed automatic tiptronic.

The Volkswagen New Beetle achieved four stars in the 2000 Euro NCAP test and five stars in 2011. In 2011 production ceased to make way for the new model - simply called the Beetle.

Beetle (A5) (2011 To Present)

The Volkswagen Beetle was introduced for the 2012 model year. Although it has a lower profile the shape still recalls the original Type 1 Beetle. This new Beetle model has a more aggressive appearance than the previous one. It shares the A5 platform with the current Volkswagen Jetta and is built in Puebla, Mexico. The Beetle is a front-engine, front-wheel drive car similar to the New Beetle although it now has more room in the rear.

The engines available in the Beetle are petrols ranging from 1.2- to 2.0-litres and 1.6- to 2.0-litre TDI diesels. All models come with six-speed manual transmission or optional dual-clutch DSG automatic box.

Cheap Volkswagen Beetle Car Parts

Many Beetle spares will be available to buy now. For other parts, you will hear back from independent breakers in our network with some quotes to give you a wider choice. Whether you need an engine or gearbox for your beloved Bug or something smaller like a switch or mirror, all spare car parts are thoroughly checked, fully guaranteed for at least a month, and ready for delivery.