History of Beetle

The story of the VW Beetle is one of the most complex and long history of the automobile. Unlike in most other cars, the VW Beetle of the project involved several companies and even the government of his country, and would lead to the foundation of a factory full of cars in the process. Some points are unclear or poorly documented, as the project initially would not have such historic importance, and some details lost to the devastation caused by World War II. Much of this history can be condensed as follows:

At the beginning of the decade from 1930 to Germany was assolada by a tough recession, and had one of the worst rates of motorization of Europe. Most of its factories was specializing in the luxury car, assembled by hand, and still very expensive.. So more and a number of factors, the idea of a small car, economical and easy to produce began to gain popularity. It was the concept of "Volkswagen Auto" - or "Volks Wagen," German expressions that reflect the idea of "popular car".

The Standard Superior, whose resemblance to the first prototypes of the VW Beetle would bring problems to the Standard.

Since 1925 a basic concept very similar to what would be the VW Beetle already existed, built by engineer Bela Barenyi (famous designer, responsible for several improvements in passive safety). In the years following several prototypes and models emerged as the Superior, the firm Standard, designed by Hungarian Joseph Ganz - including this model was relatively cheap, about 1500 milestones.

Even outside of Germany won the idea way, with the aerodynamic Tatras winning the streets of the then Czechoslovakia - these cars that Hitler himself knew and admired. Aerodinâmicos, durable and beautiful, had the air cooled rear engine, chassis with central tube and were built by Austrian Hanz Ledwinka engineer, a countryman and friend of the future designer of the VW Beetle.