From classic to current: Jay Leno drives the oldest and the newest Beetle

Few people love cars as much as Jay Leno; his collection of antique and classic automobiles rivals any in the world. It was no surprise, then, that he jumped at Volkswagens recent offer to fly to Wolfsburg, Germany to test drive the newly redesigned 2012 Beetle as well as the original 1938 Beetle. He wrote about his experience for Motor Trend.

Jay says some very nice things about us in the article, like A lot of car companies claim automotive heritage. Volkswagen is one that lives it. (Aw, thanks, Jay!) He also gushes over the gorgeous 1938 Beetle, praising its Teutonic minimalism. Once inside, he praises the surprisingly stylish interior: Art Deco dials. Cloth seats and headlining that would fit into a modern home now. And a tactile, thin-rimmed steering wheel that transmits every sense of its handling direct to your brain.

The real fun, however, happens when Jay steps into the 2012 Beetle and confesses that its it is fun to put your foot down and feel that turbo kick in. Hes not speaking theoretically here; Leadfoot Leno really did floor it on the Autobahn. I can brag to my friends I did 130 in a Beetle. He acknowledges that hed only do that in Germany, where its legal, and not in the States: [Otherwise], Id be writing this from a jail cell.

All in all, Jay was pleasantly surprised by the new Beetle, describing it as two cars in one and claiming, I think you could fool your wife into thinking this was a sensible car and then go and enjoy the hooligan stuff in secret.

But we dont want to give away too muchcheck out the full article on here.

Tell us: what do you like best about the 1938 and 2012 Beetles?

RELATED POSTS

Patience is a virtue, but so is a turbocharged engine. Pre-Orders now being accepted for the 2012 Beetle

All-new 2012 Beetle starting at less than $19,000

The ultimate Oprah show fan gets the ultimate surprise: A 21st Century Beetle

Photo from Motor Trend



Leave a Comment