The Volkswagen Beetle, a globally recognized car, was conceived nearly a century ago from the collaboration between one of the world’s most infamous figures and a brilliant engineer. Few would have guessed that the Type 1, as it was originally called, resulted from a meeting between Ferdinand Porsche and Hitler in 1935.
Arrival in Pakistan
Production ramped up after the war, and the first Beetles arrived in Pakistan in the early 1950s. Driven by tourists and hippies en route to the Orient, Pakistan was a popular stop along the old Silk Road and saw its fair share of Volkswagens. The Beetles, as they were affectionately known, with their rear-mounted air-cooled engines and four-wheel independent suspension, were perfect for the hot climates of the subcontinent. German engineering made them reliable, and without the worry of overheating that plagued water-cooled cars, the Beetles continued to run smoothly.
Boom in Pakistan
A few years after those initial visits to Pakistan, Volkswagen opened showrooms in the country’s major cities and continued to sell the Beetle well into the 1970s. The Beetle was beloved by the Pakistani public for its reliability, low running costs, easy access to spare parts, and the availability of mechanics who could work on them.
Decline
The fuel crisis of the 1970s and the introduction of compact Japanese saloons, outperformed the Beetle in terms of reliability and fuel efficiency. This was marked as the beginning of the end of the love affair between the Pakistani public and the “Foxy,” as the Beetle was known. Volkswagen sales declined, and by the late 1970s, deliveries to Pakistan had ceased, although production continued abroad until 2003. The Beetles remained a common sight on Pakistani roads until the 1990s, when they were either replaced or scrapped due to the need for costly restorations and overhauls.
Scarcity of Mechanics & Spare Parts
Over the years, owning a Foxy has become increasingly challenging due to the dwindling number of skilled mechanics and a scarce supply of spare parts. Nevertheless, defying the odds and long after other cars of the same era have been consigned to the scrap heap, these little wonders continue to be seen on Pakistani roads. They are maintained, reassembled, and driven by a small but dedicated group of owners, many of whom are members of the Volkswagen Club of Pakistan.
Dedicated Community
The club, one of the most active in Pakistan, regularly organizes picnics, drives, and, once a year, traverses the length of the country at the annual Vintage and Classic Cars of Pakistan rally. New members are welcomed, with older members providing a wealth of knowledge from the club’s extensive institutional memory. The club has also been instrumental in assisting those in need, such as when Beetles from Islamabad, laden with life-saving drugs and food items, were among the first to reach Balakot after the devastating earthquake of 2005.
Winter in Pakistan is prime classic car driving season, so keep an eye out for these ‘little giants’ gracing the roads of almost every major city in the coming months.
An admirer of all things from the days of yore with a special love for motorcycles, cars and airplanes. haris998@gmail.com
