National Geographic Specials Season 3 Episode 34 Driving America: Birth of the VW Bug

Driving America: Birth of the VW Bug is an episode of National Geographic Specials that explores the iconic history and legacy of the Volkswagen Bug. In the early 20th century, cars were becoming more popular in America, but at the time, they were bulky, expensive, and didn't have great gas mileage. Enter Ferdinand Porsche, a renowned designer and engineer who was tasked by Adolf Hitler to create a car that was affordable, efficient, and accessible to the masses.

Thus, the Volkswagen Beetle was born. The episode takes us through the history of the car, from its inception to its role in American culture. Interviews with historians, car enthusiasts, and former executives at Volkswagen provide insights into what made the car so special. We also get a glimpse into the Volkswagen factory and its operation.

One interesting aspect of the show is its historical context. The Volkswagen Beetle became popular in America during the 1960s, which was a time of great social and political change. The “hippie” counterculture that promoted peace, love, and environmentalism saw the Volkswagen Beetle as the ideal car; it was affordable, got great gas mileage, and was easily customizable.

Another aspect that the show explores is the unique design of the Volkswagen Beetle. The car's distinctive shape, which has been likened to a beetle, helped it stand out from other cars on the road. The show also delves into the marketing strategies employed by Volkswagen to sell the car, including ads that played up the car's quirkiness, affordability, and reliability.

Finally, the episode touches on the impact that the Volkswagen Beetle had on the automotive industry. The car has been credited with inspiring other “economy” cars, such as the Mini Cooper and the Fiat 500. Additionally, the Volkswagen Beetle is often seen as a symbol of German engineering, and the popularity of the car helped to revive the Volkswagen brand after World War II.

Overall, Driving America: Birth of the VW Bug is an entertaining and informative episode that will appeal to car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The show provides a fascinating look into the history of one of the most iconic cars of the 20th century and its impact on American culture.