From the Curator: Volkswagen – “The People’s Car” 

 

The Drive-In is switching gears from the miniature race track to “The People’s Car.” This February, the Kansas City Automotive Museum is looking east, to one of Germany’s most iconic brands: the Volkswagen. People around the world can’t get enough of the small cars with big personalities. From wartime Europe to ‘70s hippie culture, and modern adaptations, you’ll recognize the Volkswagen charm everywhere.

The Volkswagen company holds a unique beginning; It was founded in 1937 in Germany, under the Kraft durch Freude (“Strength through joy”) program. The program sought to bridge the class divide and rebuild leisure activities after facing extreme economic hardship from World War I. At the time, cars were considered a luxury, with only one in fifty Germans owning one.

One of Volkswagen’s first designs, the Beetle, was created by Ferdinand Porsche (yes, that Porsche!). The aerodynamic design and air-cooled, flat-four, rear-mounted engine made it compact and practical, yet inexpensive and easy to maintain.

Despite its roots in early 20th-century Germany, Volkswagen’s popularity grew around the world. The first two Volkswagens arrived in the United States in 1949, quickly working their way into American culture. By 1955, Volkswagen of America opened and sold 32,662 Beetle sedans for that model year alone.

During February, the KC Auto Museum will have 10 Volkswagens on display, including:
1977 Volkswagen Hormiga (Mexican Truck)
1958 Volkswagen Ragtop Beetle
1966 Volkswagen Show Beetle
1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Truck
1973 Volkswagen Thing
1972 Volkswagen Squareback

Coming next month: The American classic, Chevrolet Corvette. With over 70 years of craftsmanship, the Corvette is an iconic symbol of speed, freedom, and design.

Butch Papon
Curator, Kansas City Automotive Museum