Volkswagen 'beetle' De Luxe

This early type of Volkswagen Beetle still has the distinctive split rear window, popularly called the little glasses.

This early type of the Volkswagen Beetle still has the characteristic split rear window, popularly called the little glasses. In 1953 it is replaced by an oval window, and later by a large rectangular one. For the rest, the car remains virtually unchanged; the parts are interchangeable across many model years. That, plus its relative indestructibility, are important factors that contribute to the enormous popularity of the Beetle. When production stops in 2003, the Beetle, with over 22 million units built, is the most produced car of all time. Its indestructibility is due to the fact that the Beetle was extensively tested in difficult conditions both before and during the Second World War. The car was used in various versions for military purposes. The compact, air cooled four cylinder boxer engine in the rear proves its worth in both low and high temperatures, because it neither freezes up nor overheats. The car for the people is developed by Ferdinand Porsche on the orders of Adolf Hitler. However, there are now strong indications that it was not Porsche, but the Jewish engineer and car designer Josef Ganz. Shortly after the start of the Second World War, Ganz flees from Germany to Switzerland. After the war, the Allies ensure that the Beetle finds its way to the consumer. In 1947, the Netherlands becomes the first export country for Volkswagen. In 1955, the millionth Beetle rolls off the production line.