1949 Volkswagen Type 1 | California Auto Museum Sacramento

1949 Volkswagen Type 1 "Beetle"
On loan from Alvin & Edna Harter

This particular VW is an early-production car that was driven around the U.S. in 1949 to test American reactions to it. The car is extremely spartan and offered only the most basic of transportation. Eventually, the VW's well-earned reputation for reliability helped it become the most-produced vehicle in the world!

UNDER THE HOOD
Engine: Air-cooled four-cylinder, 69 cu. in., 25 HP
Transmission: Four speed manual
Brakes: Hydraulic drums
Weight: 1,600 lbs.
Original price: $1,280

MORE MILEAGE The Volkswagen's origin story is well known: it was developed as a "people's car" in pre-WWII Germany, partially designed by Ferdinand Porsche, and Adolph Hitler himself took an active interest in its development. What is less well known is the effort that went into marketing the car in the U.S. For a nation emerging from the rationing and strife of WWII and looking toward resuming lives that included new, larger, and more powerful cars, trying to sell a funny-looking little car with just 25 horsepower was a challenge.

The original design goals for the VW were a car that could carry two adults and three children at a cruising speed of 100 km/hr (62 mph) and it would cost the same as a motorcycle at the time.