From The Classifieds: Herbie - The Love Bug

Original Volkswagen beetles are able to command relatively big prices today, but it’s unlikely many would even approach the $150,000 being asked for this rather special 1960 model.

According to its owner, this 1960 Volkswagen beetle is one of the original “Herbies” used in the series of films centred on Ferdinand Porsche’s famous creation during the 1960s and 1970s.

The owner, who has had the car for “a number of years”, says it starred in two Herbie movies: Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo in 1977 and Herbie Goes Bananas in 1980. It is claimed to be the only original Herbie in Australia, and one of only seven owned privately in the world.

Naturally, the ultra-rare VW has a few more tricks up its sleeve than a regular 1960 beetle.

In addition to the flapping bonnet, flashing headlights and indicators, it features swivelling headlights, wide wheels and the device used to confound following vehicles via a spray of water and oil onto the road. And it has the stunt chassis with four-wheel steering that made it so agile during the bullfight scene in Herbie Goes Bananas.

The owner has Disney paperwork to prove the car’s authenticity, as well as an album comprising more than 200 photographs during its days as a movie star and at a Disney auction. The car was reportedly discovered, along with three other original Herbies, in a junkyard – an event also recorded on camera – before being restored in the USA back to its original Monte Carlo specifications, then shipped to Australia.

According to Wikipedia, nine Herbies were used in the Monte Carlo film, many of which – including the car featured here – were also put to use in Herbie Goes Bananas.

The left hand drive Herbie from Sydney has done the rounds of the media during its life in Australia and has featured at the Sydney International Motor Show (2010), as well as “many” classic car shows including the VW Nationals, also in 2010.

Not surprisingly, considering its collector’s item status, and the fact it is unlikely to be regularly driven on the road, the pearl white Herbie comes without a roadworthy certificate.

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