Business History Hitler's Gift to the Hippies: The VW Beetle Story Part I
Jan 14, 2026
The VW Beetle, once a Nazi obsession, became a counterculture icon for hippies and surfers. Hitler envisioned a 'People's Car' to drive Germany into prosperity, spurring a unique collaboration with Ferdinand Porsche. Despite its origins steeped in forced labor and the horrors of war, the car’s design became a symbol of freedom. As the podcast unfolds, it contrasts the Beetle's grim beginnings with its rise to popularity in post-war America, setting the stage for an intriguing exploration of its legacy.
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Beetle Wins Hearts On A Studio Lot
- A Hollywood test showed people treated the Beetle like a lovable puppy rather than a car.
- The studio renamed the movie The Love Bug after watching people pet and tap the Volkswagen Beetle.
Consumer Goods As Political Nation-Building
- Hitler used consumer goods like cars as symbols of national prosperity and unity.
- The Volkswagen was part of a broader Nazi effort to create a Volksgemeinschaft or people's community.
Political Specs Trumped Economic Reality
- Hitler set specific, unrealistic specs and price targets for the people's car to serve political aims.
- He demanded a price of 990 Reichsmarks and features aimed at both family travel and military use.
