Post by ferrari512s on Jan 31, 2014 0:42:58 GMT -5
The Standard "Superior" People Car!
Many of us just adore the shape and design of the Volkswagen "Beetle or Bug" as we affectionately call it. That iconic shape brings back so many fond memories from the past and nearly every decade since the 1920's.
Made originally by the Standard Automotive company. This was their idea of an affordable car for the people. In Germany they called it the Volkswagen.
www.rnw.nl/english/article/hitlers-vw-beetle-jewish-invention
Now who created this beetle or bug design? Some many find it surprising to know the designer credited with this is not necessary the one who designed it!
www.motortrader.com.my/news/the-original-volkswagen-beetle/
The person who designed the VW Beetle/Bug is credited to Ferdinand Porsche.
Is this factually correct? I don't think so. Read further, you decide...
Josef Ganz – The REAL inventor of the VW Beetle
History tells us that the VW Beetle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche under the orders of Adolf Hitler. But that’s not entirely true. The origins of the VW Beetle are a little more complicated than that, with the idea for an affordable “people’s car” actually being first put forward by a young Jewish engineering student by the name of Josef Ganz (1898 – 1967).
www.diseno-art.com/news_content/2013/08/josef-ganz-the-real-inventor-of-the-vw-beetle/
Josef Ganz was born in Budapest to a Hungarian mother and a German father. In 1916, at the age of 18, Ganz moved with his family to Frankfurt, Germany. In that same year he voluntarily enlisted in the German navy and fought in the First World War. After the war he continued his engineering studies, but at the same time began to think of a way to produce a small economical car which could be sold for roughly the same price as a motorcycle. In 1923 he made his first sketches of the car. However lacking any money to develop a prototype he began writing about contemporary car design for a number of automobile magazines. In 1927 he became editor-in-chief of Klein-Motor-Sport magazine.
www.diseno-art.com/news_content/2013/08/josef-ganz-the-real-inventor-of-the-vw-beetle/
Under Ganz’s leadership the magazine grew in popularity and influence, in 1929 it was re-branded Motor-Kritik – I don’t think you need to speak fluent German to figure out what that means! The magazine was particularly critical of old, heavy and unsafe automobiles, and consistently he tried to get manufacturers to make better products. Because of his heavy criticism of the slow-to-improve industry, Ganz had many enemies amongst the established German automobile industry.
www.diseno-art.com/news_content/2013/08/josef-ganz-the-real-inventor-of-the-vw-beetle/
In 1929 Josef Ganz began contacting a number of German motorcycle manufacturers in an effort to form a partnership which would allow him to build a prototype of his design. The first prototype, the Ardie-Ganz was built in 1930, and from then on Ganz began to produce a number of prototypes – each better than the last.
www.ganz-volkswagen.org/history/index.htm
In 1933 the first production car which was designed using Ganz’s expertise was introduced. The Standard Superior was highly advanced for its time, yet it was also very affordable. When it was unveiled at the Internationale Auto- und Motorradausstellung motor show in Berlin in February 1933, the new Chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler, was particularly impressed. Porsche also became involved in the project, and developed three prototypes based on the designs of Ganz.
Some other excellent books on this subject...
www.ganz-volkswagen.org/history/index.htm
However in 1933, as anti-semitism began to rear its ugly head in pre-war Germany, Joseph Ganz was arrested by the Gestapo based on trumped-up charges that he was blackmailing the automotive industry. Thankfully he was released after a short while, but he wisely recognized that things were only going to get worse and he fled the country in the very same month that Adolf Hitler told Ferdinand Porsche to build a “car for every man”. The car which Porsche came up with was based very closely and nearly identical on the original design of a brilliant engineer called Joseph Ganz.
www.ganz-volkswagen.org/history/index.htm
Josef Ganz the true, factual, correct, accurate and real inventor of the "Superior" VW Beetle. He died in obscurity in Australia in 1967. Meanwhile the man who profited massively off his work, Ferdinand Porsche, took all the credit. Imitation is the highest form of flattery but taking all the credit is immoral!
Information and images is courtesy of:
www.diseno-art.com/news_content/2013/08/josef-ganz-the-real-inventor-of-the-vw-beetle/
Adolf and his buddy Ferdinand Porsche- The VW Military Machine!
There is a military vehicle commission by a guy named Adolf back in the 1930's. Adolf decided his friend named Ferdinand Porsche would build the people's car in Germany as well as the military vehicles for the upcoming war his superiors were planning for Germany.
Image courtesy of humcaff.org/nice-slammed-vw-bug-by-carguy/
The actual military vehicle...
A new book is regarding VW's history attempts to set the record straight. Is anyone paying attention though?
Ferdinand Porsche has always received credit as the icon's designer and there is no doubt he was the engineer who developed a working, producible prototype from Adolph Hitler's command to produce a "people's car."
Ganz was quite the automotive pioneer who through his role as editor-in-chief of the German car magazine Motor-Kritik argued for and proposed many new automotive designs including the design ideas for the Beetle.
Images Courtesy of www.carsinpedia.com/car_day_archive_details.php?id=412
Ganz who was able to get his idea into production had to flee Germany in June 1934 prior to WW2 due his Jewish ethnicity and had to abandon his project of the low cost family car. Ganz's ideas and the project for the People's car was later co-opted by Hitler and assigned to Porsche in the same month of Ganz's departure.
The rest is they say is history which is written by the people in power...
The 1,000,000 Beetle to roll off the assembly line...
The Volkswagen Beetle, officially called the Volkswagen Type 1 (or informally the Volkswagen Bug), is an economy car produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003.[6]
1934 Beetle...
1938 Beetle...
The need for this kind of car, and its functional objectives, were formulated by Adolf Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany, wishing for a cheap, simple car to be mass-produced for the new road network of his country. He contracted Porsche in 1934 to design and build it to his exacting standards.[7] Ferdinand Porsche and his team took until 1938 to finalise the design.[7] This is one of the first rear-engined cars. With over 21 million manufactured (21,529,464)[8] in an air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration, the Beetle is the longest-running and most-manufactured car of a single design platform, worldwide.
Although designed in the 1930s, the Beetle was only produced in significant numbers from 1945 on (mass production had been put on hold during the Second World War) when the model was internally designated the Volkswagen Type 1, and marketed simply as the "Volkswagen". Later models were designated VW 1200, 1300, 1500, 1302 or 1303, the former three indicating engine displacement and the latter two being derived from the type number and not indicative of engine capacity. The model became widely known in its home country as the Käfer (German for "beetle") and was later marketed as such in Germany,[3] and as the Volkswagen Beetle in other countries.[1][2]
The Beetle was designed for sustained high speed on the Autobahn. It ultimately gave rise to variants, including the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and the Volkswagen Type 2 bus.
The Beetle had marked a significant trend led by Volkswagen, Fiat, and Renault whereby the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout had increased from 2.6 percent of continental Western Europe's car production in 1946 to 26.6 percent in 1956.[9]
The 1948 Citroën 2CV and other European models marked a later trend to front-wheel drive in the European small car market, a trend that would come to dominate that market. In 1974, Volkswagen's own front-wheel drive Golf model succeeded the Beetle. In 1994, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro"-themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Beetle, and in 1998 introduced the "New Beetle", built on the Golf platform with styling recalling the original Type 1.
In a 1999 international poll for the world's most influential car of the 20th century, the Type 1 came fourth, after the Ford Model T, the Mini, and the Citroën DS.[10]
Article and images courtesy of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Beetle
More details and images here...
www.maquetland.com/article-phototheque/2812-volkswagen-type-82-e-kdfwagen
otomotif-modifikasi-body.blogspot.ca/2012/01/vw-beetle-car-history.html
The Volkswagen Beetle Story- A Brief History
As Told by the Volkswagen Company
In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to build a small, inexpensive car. His masterpiece, a beetle-shaped sedan, was called a Volkswagen (German for "people's car"). It is unfortunate that what years later would become the world's top selling car (21,529,464 units) would have its origins with one of the world's most evil men, Adolf Hitler.
Read all the other details through the years as written by VW here...
www.cqql.net/vw.htm
The Hot Wheels Custom Volkswagen
Designed by Harry Bradley/Ira Gilford
According to Harry Bradley, first Hot Wheels designer, he designed all 16 Hot Wheels Mattel released in 1968. However this recollection of history has been changed through the years from 11, to 16 car designs. Ira Gilford has also gone on record and stated he designed the Custom Volkswagen. Perhaps this was a joint venture. Heck I'm not entirely sure since I wasn't either. I'll let them setting the dispute. Now let's get moving on the VW...
The Custom Volkswagen was part of the original 16 Hot Wheels Mattel released. Quite the popular model since many collectors can't get enough of VW Bugs...
Courtesy of Google
This was produced in USA and Hong Kong plants and came in a variety of colors! You want all the colors? Just visit this page...
hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/Custom_Volkswagen and another amazing page for Custom Volkswagen information is onlineredlineguide.com/68/68_custom_volkswagen/68_custom_volkswagen.html
In the meantime you can look at the picture below...
Image Courtesy of onlineredlineguide.com/68/68_custom_volkswagen/68_custom_volkswagen.html
Hong Kong NSR Versions
Courtesy of onlineredlineguide.com/68/68_custom_volkswagen/68_custom_volkswagen.html
This Hot Wheels Custom Volkswagen was in production from 1968 - 1971. Was it spotted in 1972 and 1973? Yes there was some unsold stock from 1971 in various parts of the world. There are other stories too about later finds in remote places...another time.
Hot Wheels loved this Custom Volkswagen show rod so much that they decided to make it...cooler, give it more hip, groovy...
They even changed the name to Evil Weevil! Mattel released this to their most popular Hot Wheels series titled Spoilers during the Redline Era timeline...
Even some collectors joined in and created their own slightly larger 1:18 scale Evil Weevil. This one is stunning! Here is what myturk had to say about his design...
A while back I showed some pictures of a no name die cast 1/18 Volkswagen I reworked into an interpretation of the classic Hot Wheels "Evil Weevil" I made some 6 years ago.
More great pictures here... coffincorner.proboards.com/thread/10020
Oh my, myturk decided to give it a refresh look. Here is what he had to say about this accidently remake...
Since the Hot Wheels Nationals was going to be in town, I wanted to give the old bug a freash look. Unfortunately, while removing a graphic from a door, I ripped a chunk of paint off clear down to primer. Knowing I'd never match the 6 year old candy magenta over silver worth a hoot, I decided a complete recolor was in line. I was never THAT happy with the dark magenta anyway. Fixed the door booger and got out a brand new can or the Testors laquaer, I'd been wanting to try it out anyway... Tore the bug apart and gave it all a complete going over with a sheet of 600, then 800 and lastly, 1000. Got it good and slick...
More great pictures here... coffincorner.proboards.com/thread/10020
What about the RLC, did they reissue the Evil Weevil? Oh yeah!!!!
Courtesy of Google
This is someone different and a prototype...
Images courtesy of www.thetoypeddler.com/cgi-bin/ttp/ttpdetail_2.cgi?item_id=1211621
Flying Colors...
In 1974 Hot Wheels decided to release the Custom Volkswagen again in the Flying Colors theme and series. This time only produced in Hong Kong. Notice the change in wheels and paints used...oh yea, the sunroof option was removed completely...
This is the thrift version of our beloved Hot Wheels Custom Volkswagen...
hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/Custom_Volkswagen
Now here we have the alternative colored stipped Custom Volkswagen. This was presented only in the Hot Wheels catalogs. Does it still exist? Well someone took a picture of this die-cast car so hence the prototype is out there...Don't worry, I will find it.
hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/Custom_Volkswagen
So how can we cheapen this car further for a failed promotion that Proctor and Gamble commissioned Mattel for in 1975? Hey, why not make the base out of plastic! A brilliant idea, eh! This produced unreleased car along with three others sat in Hong Kong Mattel warehouses until 1980.
Why would a produced car sit on warehouse shelves for 5 years? And why present me with this difficult question to answer? What's the meaning of Stonehenge for that matter?
The answer this riddle is still unclear, although I have spoken to Mattel employees about this enigma. Their recollection of this matter is nebulous at best. In 1980 a company called Wisconsin Toys approached Mattel to acquire any unsold or inexpensive Hot Wheels inventory to sell. Somehow this unsold inventory sitting in a warehouse was "uncovered or discovered" and Mattel made an agreement to package this for Wisconsin Toys....and why am I rewriting this article again? Here's the link:
ultimatehotwheels.boards.net/thread/41/redline-era-wisconsin-toy-wheels
And then we don't see this version of the bug again until 2005 when the Hot Wheels Redline Club retools and releases it for their exclusive members who belong to the club.
1989 Hot Wheels VW Bug
In the meantime Larry Wood decides to create another version of the People's car...
1989 Hot Wheels VW Bug - Larry Wood decided to redesign the VW Bug and used the models from 1953-1957 for his Hot Wheels issue...
You want more details, sure...
hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/VW_Bug
Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle 2003
Hot Wheels Hall Of Fame Greatest Rides Series
diecast.spiraln.com/vw/beetle/hw_vwbug/index.html
Hot Wheels VW Bug 2001
#175
diecast.spiraln.com/vw/beetle/hw_vwbug/index.html
Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle 2008
Team: Volkswagen
diecast.spiraln.com/vw/beetle/hw_vwbug/index.html
Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle 2008
Since 68 Collector Top 40 Set
diecast.spiraln.com/vw/beetle/hw_vwbug/index.html
Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle 2011
Hot Wheels Garage
diecast.spiraln.com/vw/beetle/hw_vwbug/index.html
Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle 2011
The Hot Ones
hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/VW_Bug
2005 Redline Club - The Return of the Custom Volkswagen
Nice to see this model retooled and become part of the exclusive Redline Club! It is unfortunate Mattel couldn't quite remember the direction of the motor...
hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/VW_Bug
In 2006 another release with Rel Rider wheels...quite popular wheels at the Redline Club now. The Real Rider wheels today are more popular than the original redline type wheels with members currently at the RLC.
Hey members, we fixed the direction of the motor! Yeah...
hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/VW_Bug
There is more, more, more....I can't write it all. Here are some other sources...
Hot Wheels VW Beetle - Herbie the Love Bug...
lamleydlm.blogspot.ca/2013/10/first-look-hot-wheels-vw-beetle-herbie.html
Hot Wheels 2012 new VW Beetle
lamleydlm.blogspot.ca/2012/07/first-look-hot-wheels-2012-volkswagen.html
...I just posted this article and already I've received email and text messages about the VW's missing from this article. Yes I understand your concerns. I will revise the article...
In the meantime here are some images to relieve your tensions...
Does anyone recall the Hot Wheels VW Beach Bug? That will be a hit too!
Then we have other die-cast makers getting into the VW action...
Sorry back to Mattel and their releases...tooned
And there is more...check your friendly neighborhood search engine for many more details and variations and releases...and end.
Yes the END for now...
I'm ending this now...
Why are you still scrolling down?
You actually believe there's more to this article...
Fine....here ya go...
VW Model Kits
There are quite a number of model kits done through the years honoring our beloved VW Bug...
Quite a few I might add...
I'm not planning to list them all...
Tom Daniel VW Bug Model Kits
Did you know Tom Daniel, designer of many famous model kits also loves the Volkswagen Bug!
Well he sure does and these are some model kits he created that were inspired by that little bug...
Does anyone remember the Muscle Bug!
www.tomdaniel.com/85_kits/frm_85kits.html
How about the Smug Bug!
www.tomdaniel.com/85_kits/frm_85kits.html
You've all heard of the "The Thunder Bug" I presume!
www.tomdaniel.com/85_kits/frm_85kits.html
All of these are wacky renditions of the VW Bug and there is so much more model kits out there...
Matchbox VW Bug
We seem to have heard about the Red Baron model kit car that inspired others to eventually make this into a show car and some other toy company came on board and make millions and millions of these die-cast Hot Wheels cars. Yes I know this discussion is not about Tom Daniel or his model kits designs or the Red Baron he designed but please be patient while I digress. I'm going somewhere with this. Really...
Matchbox also loved the VW Bug and made their own wild version of the Red Baron but in a VW Bug style. Look below...
They called their creation the "Flying Bug"...
I wonder if Tom would approve!
Another image of this cool
And the Farb VW Four by Matchbox on stage playing their hit song...
I wanna hold your bug.
So what about Johnny Lightning die-cast. Did they show any love for the Bug?
Hmmm, let me check...
Yes they sure did...they called their 1969 radically styled version of the VW Bug... the "Bug Bomb"!
I simply love it!!! The JL Fab Four rocketed "All Night Long" on their Rocket 500 highway track set...
These babies could more...
These above JL Bug Bombs are new models released released by Playing Mantis who resurrected the JL line in 1994!
All you need is love....
...and the Love Bug.
There is a lot more love that JL shows for the bug...
collector.johnnylightning.com/products/volkswagen/index.asp
And I will eventually list more since they are very appealing and desirable...
More Matchbox (Lots of good stuff here too!)
Did I fail to mention I have more pictures of Matchbox bugs? Fine, I'll release them now...
These are the hit songs that made them famous!
(I don't have a song with the title green...) Ah, ok...
You're so vain....
Stand by me...
I'm on top of the world...
In the year 25 25...
Red Red Wine...
Officially this is the end of the article!!!
I will be adding more to it though later.
