Daily Driver
Matt George and Lisamarie Johnson go for a picnic in a VW Beetle.
Igrew up in the Nineties and our family holiday destination of choice was usually Cornwall. Volkswagen camper vans and Beetles were seemingly everywhere – the surfer lifestyle is still indelibly tied in with such vehicles – and as a nine-year old I was beguiled by the Beetle’s cheeky styling and the unmistakable ‘wub-wub’ of the VW flat-four. Fast forward a number of years and I finally splashed out on a Beetle of my own. It was a modified example and, while I enjoyed owning it, I eventually sold it due to the massive 2110cc motor being unsuitable for regular use. I still appreciate a tastefully modified Beetle, but equally I have had my eyes opened to how satisfying a stock model can be on a daily basis. The sheer numbers of Beetles still on our roads today is testament to the longevity, usability and downright popularity of the humble little Bug.