1/8/20 12/100 1962 Volkswagen Beetle

Today there’s a big group of collectors who love the air-cooled Volkswagens and today has convinced many diecast manufacturers to make air-cooled VW’s to their taste, but in 1999 there was barely any air-cooled VW’s to speak of, nor a group this large, but Matchbox may have fueled the popularity with the concept 1 (future New Beetle) and then this 1962 Beetle and 1967 VW Transporter.  Both were so popular that I never found the 1999 releases, and these 2000 releases were almost as hard-to-find.  The paint scheme carries over though the black body is now white, yet the turquoise side panels and interior remain.  The car has stock details like the famed hood design, round headlights, front bumper, rear engine cover and taillights, and then adds the ribbed convertible top on the roof, a trailer hitch for towing, and a slight rear rake to give it that custom California look.  The interior has the simple Beetle layout of four seats, two-spoke steering wheel, and floor shifter, and then the working suspension gives the Beetle some speed through the corners with excellent handling.  The casting has aged quite well and the latest update removes the suspension, makes the ride height even, and cleans up some details, yet the charm of the original casting still remains.

Specifications:

· Engine: 1.2L air-cooled flat-4

· Transmission: 4-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 18.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: #3,000 est. 1962

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars