Volkswagen Beetles and Buses
Smaller and Smarter
by Russell Hayes
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Pub Date 6 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 5 Nov 2020
Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks | Motorbooks
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Description
Volkswagen is one of the most beloved brands in motoring history, thanks largely to two instantly recognizable vehicles: the Beetle (a.k.a. Bug) and the Bus. More than 23 million VW Beetles have buzzed into the world since 1945, while the VW Bus presaged the minivan by thirty-plus years. Volkswagen: Beetles and Buses examines and celebrates all aspects of the vehicles and the many cultural associations that have swirled around them for more than seven decades. The diminutive rear-engined and easily mass-produced Beetle became the most popular imported car in America during the 1960s. Its success was due to its familiar face, its wildly clever ad campaigns, and the sheer numbers produced. The equally compact yet spacious Bus (a.k.a. Kombi, Microbus, Type 2, Transporter, and simply “van”) has won millions of fans around the world with its practicality, simplicity, and design.
In this beautifully illustrated and authoritatively written celebration, author Russell Hayes looks back at the vehicles while focusing on the classic air-cooled VWs that ran into the late 1970s. Along the way, readers witness the Beetle and Bus at work and at play and learn about vehicle development and growing roles in popular culture, including star appearances in films like The Love Bug, Little Miss Sunshine, Footloose, Fight Club, The Big Lebowski, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, as well as television shows like Lost and Once Upon a Time and on the covers of the Beatles’ Abbey Road and Bob Dylan’s Freewheelin’ album. The story is brought up to date with coverage of the New Beetle and plans for the VW Buzz, a modern electric version of the iconic Microbus due in 2022.
Volkswagen: Beetles and Buses deserves a place in the motoring libraries of VW owners, automotive enthusiasts, and those simply interested in pop culture. It's the ultimate illustrated history of these beloved vehicles.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780760367667 |
| PRICE | US$40.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 176 |
Featured Reviews
Kelly L, Librarian
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a big fan of VW Buses and Bugs, I knew this book would be enjoyable. The history of these iconic vehicles is interesting. Of course the pictures are great and cover the different styles of VWs. This is a good book for any VW fan.
Ashley B, Reviewer
This is an illustrated history to celebrate the 75th and 70th anniversaries of the Volkswagen Beetles and Buses.
I am a huge fan of Volkswagen Beetles and it is my dream to one day own one. When I saw this book on Netgalley I couldn’t resist requesting it. The history of the Volkswagen’s two iconic vehicles was fascinating, especially in their creation. I never realized that Hitler played a part in the creation and production of the original Volkswagen Beetles, then called the KdF-Wagen.
I found the history of this brand and vehicles fascinating, especially since this book included vintage photographs, magazines, prototypes, and ads. It does get very technical about the differences between the different years and models though. I understood very little of those parts but I got the general idea of what changes were being made.
Overall, this was a wonderful illustrated history book. If you are a Volkswagen fan I highly recommend checking this book out.
Jazzy L, Reviewer
If you are a Volkswagen aficionado as I am you are going to LOVE this book! A great look into the history of this iconic automobile manufacturer, with so so gorgeous photos to boot and some personal stories as well. My coffee table needs this!
Janet P, Reviewer
An in-depth history of VW Beetles and vans, full of great vintage photos and ads. It also has great nods to important parts of VW culture: movies, art, and modified bugs.
Kelli S, Reviewer
My Volkswagen loving twelve year old really loved this book! The layout was very user friendly and the pictures were great. The author obviously put a lot of time and effort into this book.
Sarah B, Reviewer
As a big Volkswagen fan, I couldn't resist requesting this book and I wasn't disappointed! The book is full of lovely black + white and colour images of Beetles and camper vans and fascinating text about both types of vehicle. The book is well laid out and informative, with lots of interesting facts and history. I especially liked the movie chapter. I already own lots of VW books but this one seemed to include lots of photographs that I hadn't seen before. I enjoyed this digital version so much that I've already bought the hardback!
Teresa G, Reviewer
Holy VW, Batman! This book is a must-have for any VW fan (like me) or a fan of the open road (also me). Filled with a plethora of information on the history and development to modern models and Hollywood, this book has it all.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
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