2/7/20 42/100 Volkswagen Concept 1 Beetle

Before the air-cooled VW hype started this Matchbox replica of the Concept 1 Beetle might have been responsible for creating the hype.  Introduced in 1996 it was based on the 1994 concept car that toyed with the idea of a modern interpretation of the Volkswagen Beetle, out of production since 1978 in most markets.  After a few concept cars the New Beetle was released in 1998 based on the Golf platform and thus VW hype started up with the 1962 Beetle and 1967 Transporters that Matchbox released in 1999.  For 2000 the Concept 1 uses black with a sporty yellow center stripe and detailed front lights, oh and the Matchbox 2000 logo on the windshield for some models.  The Concept 1 has the familiar arch profile with round front and rear lights, though the Concept has vents up front based on the horn vents on the classic Beetle.  The interior has the seating for four with a longer dashboard and simple control layout that would be used on the New Beetle.  Handling is also fun, too, and as you’ll see later on Matchbox adds a convertible version.  This casting has seen countless variations over the years, with the first three using solid colors and the 1998 version with the upside down VW logo’s front and rear.  In 2001 a metal base appeared for a brief time and it even did use in the D.A.R.E line a few times, used more often than the convertible model.  It has disappeared since then, though Matchbox will return the Beetle for one more outing in the 2020 line as a convertible.

Specifications:

· Engine: 2.0L DOHC I-4 114 hp.

· Transmission: 5-speed manual est.

· 0-60 mph: 8.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: #20,000 est. 1999

Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars