Volkswagen Beetle

The Beetle is one of the most iconic cars of all time. It was designed by Ferdinand Porsche for German dictator Adolf Hitler as a car that everyone could afford, hence its barebones status. The name Volkswagen is german for "People's Car". It is ironic that the Beetle became popular worldwide considering its history. In the sixties the Beetle became popular with hippies due to its price, size, and fuel economy. The Beetle was used in the under two liter category of the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship. A more powerful "Super Beetle" was introduced later on. The Beetle's engine was used to power the Italian-designed Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. Unlike most cars the Beetle is rear engined, which formed the basis for the Porsche brand. The Beetle's engine was also used to power the Porsche 914. The Beetle was marketed in Mexico for decades due to its affordability in a third world country. In 1997 the more modern New Beetle was introduced, but was criticized for being only vaguely resemblant of the original.