Production of the iconic VW Beetle ends this summer.
As we know, Volkswagen is about to kill off its best-selling car: the iconic Beetle. The humble Bug is ending production this summer, so VW wanted to give it a special send-off. To mark the end of production, VW has entered two Beetles in the grueling 2019 Mille Miglia race. Known as "the most beautiful race in the world," the Mille Miglia lasts three days and covers 1,000 miles from Brescia to Rome and back.
Volkswagen first entered the Mille Miglia in the 1950s using high-performance Beetles that exceeded expectations, performing better than many of VW's more powerful rivals. In 1954, Paul-Ernst Strahle raced to victory in the 1,300cc class using a 1948 production Beetle nicknamed "Dapferle" with parts from a Porsche 356. He also finished third place in the 1500cc class.
For 2019, Volkswagen is bringing a modified 1951 Pretzel Beetle and the 1956 Ovali Beetle to the Mille Miglia that replicate their historic predecessors. The Diamond Green Ovali Beetle is an authentic replica built exclusively by Volkswagen Classic and makes 75 horsepower thanks to a rear-mounted Porsche engine. The second Reseda Green Beetle has been modified with "various Porsche parts" and produces 60 hp. It was built according to the original "Dapferle" documents and Strahle's registration for the 1954 Mille Miglia.
To be eligible to take part in the historic race, all cars need to demonstrate that they were involved in the Mille Miglia between 1927 and 1957 and have parts in accordance with the originals. While the Beetle will soon be axed, the limited Beetle Final Edition is still available to buy in the US. Pricing for the Beetle Final Edition coupe starts at $23,045, while the Beetle Cabriolet Final Edition will set you back $27,295.
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