Herbie' Beetle auctioned for AU$154K in USA

Described as an authentic Herbie (ie. used in the Herbie: The Love Bug movies), the sunroof-equipped 1963 Volkswagen Beetle was purchased by Herbie historian Bob Hoag from a Disney Studios auction in 1980.

Hoag's investigation of the car's provenance established the movie connection, thanks in part to unique, movie-fitted accessories, like a bracket for an oil-squirting pump. Additional documentation pointed to the car's use in 'Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo' and 'Herbie Goes Bananas'.

Despite its provenance, the car's movie connection wasn't considered valuable at the time, and the car was sold. The second owner restored the Beetle to its Herbie livery and actually raced the car in this spec for some time.

The Herbie later passed through museums before being acquired by another Herbie enthusiast, who commissioned a full restoration to its 'Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo' appearance.

What made this particular Herbie special is that it was a running and driving car; many Beetles were gutted for stunts, or modified for specific movie scenes that saw them became more props than cars.

At the Barrett-Jackson auction, this particular Beetle, thanks to its exceptional condition and genuine Herbie movie provenance, sold for a jaw-dropping $126,500 (AU$154,100 approx.). This is not only a new auction record for a Herbie car, but also for an original Volkswagen Beetle of any type.

For full results and further details, go to: barrett-jackson.com

Images: courtesy fo Barrett-Jackson