In 1938 the German automaker Volkswagen released their version of the economy car called the Volkswagen Type 1, or more commonly referred to as the Volkswagen Beetle. The names “Bug” and “Beetle” were adopted by the public, but it was not until late 1967 that Volkswagen began using the name “Beetle” in their marketing. It was previously known as only the “Type 1″ or the 1200, 1300, or 1500, which were the names it had been marketed under in Europe prior to 1967. The numbers indicated the size of the vehicle’s engine in cubic centimeters.
The 1967 model of the VW Beetle underwent a few changes, the car itself didn’t get bigger, but many of the mechanical systems and components did. Some changes to the Bug included a larger engine. Output of the electrical generator had been increased from 180 watts to 360, and also had been upgraded from the old 6-volt system to the 12-volt system. The clutch disk was also made larger and changes had been made to the braking system, the flywheel, and rear axles.
Although the VW Bug has been widely despised for its styling, rough ride, weak power, along with high noise levels, it was also the longest and most produced vehicle for a single design.
Read the rest of this page »
Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer based in Wolfsburg, Germany, has been building cars since the 1930s. While some of Volkswagen’s vehicle models have become cult classics, this devotion to the brand also extends to die-cast replicas. Die-cast replicas of the Volkswagen Beetle, Microbus, and other models have generated a dedicated following of collectors.
History of Volkswagen Replicas
Like many die-cast replica products, early Volkswagen replicas were produced primarily as children’s toys. Wiking marketed 1:40 scale beetles, transporters and pickup truck replicas in the 1950s. Corgi followed in the 1960s with a wide range of Volkswagen vehicle replicas. Taiyo and the EF White Co. also produced Volkswagen model toys in the 1960′s. Not many of these older replicas and toys are still available on the market, and when they do appear, they can command a hefty price at auction. A Hot Wheels 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb replica, of which only 25 are known to exist, was sold for a record $72,000 at auction in 2000.
Popular Volkswagen Replica Models
The Volkswagen Beetle, and the Microbus are by far the most prolific models in die-cast circles. For over 40 years, these two Volkswagen models have been replicated in die-cast form by many manufacturers in a huge range of standard and customized formats. While most of the other Volkswagen models are represented in die-cast replica manufacturers’ product lines, they do not match the scope of replicas available for these two models. This is not surprising, given the cult following of the Beetle and the Microbus in full-size form beginning in the 1960s and continuing to the present day.
Manufacturers of Volkswagen Replicas
Over the years, several manufacturers have produced replicas of Volkswagen vehicle models. Some of these manufacturers include:
Revel Germany – Revell Germany, most known for their plastic model kits, also currently has a popular line of ready-made 1/18 scale die-cast vehicles, including several Volkswagen models. In addition to the standard Beetle and Microbus models, Revell also manufactures some older Volkswagen models, such as the Karmann-Ghia.
Jada Toys – Jada produces standard replicas of a wide range of Volkswagen models, as well as customized models in both 1/24 and 1/64 scales.
Corgi Toys – Corgi Toys manufactured a few Volkswagen models in the late 1950s and through the 1960s.
Hot Wheels – A Volkswagen beetle model was one of the first Hot Wheels products in 1968. Hot Wheels continues to manufacture a variety of 1/64 scale Volkswagen replicas.
Micro-Machines – Micro-Machines released a line of Volkswagen replicas in the late 1980s through the 1990s. Micro-Machine models are slightly larger than N-scale models, which range from 1/148 to 1/160.
Maisto – Maisto manufactures a line of VW replicas, but the quality of their models and the vehicle detail are lower than those of other manufacturers.
Volkswagen die-cast replicas continue to be a popular choice for collectors in a variety of scales. Manufacturers are taking advantage of the popularity of the Volkswagen by continuing to maintain product lines that contain Volkswagen models, particularly the Beetle and Microbus.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Fisher
