In 1955, the magic figure of 1,000 “Beetles” coming off the production line was reached in Wolfsburg, a city built to house those who worked at the factory.
Assembled in Germany, this particular model came to Porto under the company Guérin, and where, after a few changes of hands, it came into the possession of the current owner. It features a rear-mounted, air-cooled, 4-cylinder boxer engine, an innovation at the time, much praised by the world’s press. The ‘Beetle’ has always won over many fans and admirers, perhaps because it seems to smile, spreading good cheer wherever it goes. It is easy to drive and was, for many years, the car chosen by driving schools.
Under registration number MR-16-86, it has belonged to Manuel Rosa since 1986, who bought the vehicle in Espinho and brought it to Madeira in 1989, where it has remained ever since. The fact that the registration number is customised meant that he did not let it slip into other hands.
The car has been restored twice, the first time to restore its original appearance, and the second following an accident in 2007, which required the second restoration.
The bodywork was so badly damaged that Manuel Rosa had to buy another one to carry out the second restoration. In homage to the first bodywork, which had brought so much joy, a sculpture was created which was on display at the Reid’s Palace Classic Auto Show in 2016.
Technical Sheet:
Year of manufacture: 1963
Brand: Volkswagen
Model: 1/11 Limousine
Country: Germany
Registration number: MR-16-86
Engine: 1182 cc
Owner: Manuel Rosa