It is easy to explain the passion we, Brazilians, feel for the VW Beetle. The car was fundamental to the motorization and industrialization of Brazil, being the best-selling car in the country for 23 consecutive years (1959-1982).
Produced nationally from 1959 onwards, it consolidated Volkswagen, boosted the automotive industry, offered toughness for the roads of the time, and became a cultural symbol of accessibility and reliability. It was the car that taught us how to drive.
For us, Portuguese speakers, the word Volkswagen was too complicated to pronounce. We initially shortened it to Volks, and eventually, the car became known simply as Fusca. In 1983, the Brazilian Volkswagen adopted the nickname as the car’s official name.
Enthusiasts will discover unique ways to show their passion for the car, such as the owner of this pub in Aracaju, the capital of Sergipe state, who turned a VW Fusca into a beer tap machine.
My dad took this picture back in March 2024 while traveling along the northeast coast of Brazil.
Dad knew I would love this picture. After all, I am a big fan of both, beer and Fusca.
Judging by some details I see in the pic, I believe the car must be an early 1980s model. It looks straight, and also has a nice set of Superlite style wheels.
The idea is not entirely new, but some people will choose a more convenient Volkswagen model to transform into a rolling bar, like the one above.
I hope you have enjoyed this catch of the day. I know, it would be much more fun if we could be actually there, enjoying a beer and having good conversation.
I will see you next time.
The Classic Machines 