The Nazis and the Volkswagen

[TxGauleiter]

One of my favorite little areas of the history of the Third Reich is the Nazis role in the creation of the Volkswagen, which literally translates to "The Peoples Car"
(Volks= People) + ( Wagen = Car)

It was Hitler's intention to make transportation affordable to the average citizen. He wanted a car that represented Germany the way the Model T represented America. It was to be inexpensive, air-cooled, and easy to repair. He chose Dr Porsche to head this project. After the war where Hitlers limitations were removed, Porsche was able to pursue the car he really wanted to design. The rear-engined, bubble-fendered Beetle was replaced by the more powerful rear-engined bubble-fendered Porsches.

At any rate, the VW Beetle ended up becoming the most successful car of all time, and its initial design was by none other than Hitler himself.

[TxGauleiter]

Hitler:

[TxGauleiter]

Guess the Fuhrer called 'shotgun' 1st!

[TxGauleiter]

Hitler, the VW, and a few DEs

[TxGauleiter]

VW ceremony:

[TxGauleiter]

Porsche and Hitler:

[TxGauleiter]

Ceremony #2

[TxGauleiter]

It is worth noting that during the 3rd Reich, the VW was not known by or referred to as 'The People's Car', but rather the 'KdF wagen', 'KdF' referring, of course, to the Labor Organizations, "Strength thru Joy" program.

[NickG]

KdF wagen

KdF wagen: Here's a nice early survivor at a show

[NickG]

KdF

Another view inside. Note Dash insignia VW with cog wheel

[NickG]

In the truck

Original stuff in the trunk! WOW what a survivor!

[NickG]

another one

Here's another one...this one did not fare so well...like the tan one! (1945)

[mbberlin]

and its initial design was by none other than Hitler himself.

This is not true!

The design was made by Béla Barényi, an engineer from Vienna, in 1925! ;-)

[ramon]

My wife and I have owned Bugs for nearly 40 years and still have our original 2 we purchased in the late 60's.

Here are some desirable collectible VW related items that reside in my collection.

Here is the original manual that literally covers the car from A to Z.

[ramon]

Here is the foreword written by Dr. Ley