The legendary Volkswagen Beetle arrives in 1/12 scale at OttOmobile!

The 1/12 scale range welcomes a new iconic model: the Volkswagen Beetle. The best-selling car in history joins the OttOmobile scale model collection. Discover this automotive legend, its history, and its miniature right now.

The Incredible History of the Volkswagen Beetle

It all began in the 1930s when a certain Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned by the leader of Nazi Germany to design and create the first model of the "people's car" (Volkswagen in German). This new manufacturer was born in 1937. A year later, a brand-new factory was inaugurated to produce Volkswagens. Based in Wolfsburg, it was designed to build the first model, a small city car named KdF-Wagen to link it with the organization created by the Ministry of Labor (Kraft Durch Freude – Strength Through Joy) to group all state leisure activities and centers. To get one, citizens had to save 1,000 Reichsmarks through a stamp savings book. But in 1939, World War II broke out, and hundreds of thousands of savers never received their promised KdF-Wagen. The Wolfsburg plant was repurposed for military vehicle production, and the people's car project was put aside. However, about a thousand KdF-Wagens left the assembly lines, though these models were intended for military personnel and high dignitaries—far from the original "people's car" concept. Certain parts of the future "Beetle" were reused to produce "German jeeps": the Kübelwagen and the Schwimmwagen (an amphibious model).

In 1945, workers produced a few KdF-Wagens in the ruins of the factory. The Volkswagen Type 1—its official name—officially debuted at the end of the year. Success came very quickly, thanks to Major Ivan Hirst. This British Army officer fell in love with the Type 1. He managed to convince his superiors to order several thousand units, all painted khaki green! By 1949, production was no longer reserved exclusively for British services, and the Type 1 headed toward commercialization and global success. It remained in production until 2003 in Mexico. In total, over 21 million units of the one and only Beetle were manufactured. Unlike other cars whose sales figures are cumulative across various evolutions and generations, it was the original Beetle alone that achieved this record. The New Beetle and Beetle III are not included in these statistics.

The Beetle became a true star, even taking center stage as the main character in a series of Disney movies between 1968 and 2005. In these films, it was known as "Herbie". It also made appearances in hundreds of other movies and dozens of TV shows. Known as the "Beetle", "Coccinelle", "Vocho", or "Käfer" in its country of origin, it became the most famous and beloved car in the world! Over its 90-plus years of existence, it managed to cross generations while maintaining an immense popularity.

OttOmobile Offers the Volkswagen Beetle in 1/12 Scale

For the first time since OttOmobile was founded in 2009, the Beetle is being reproduced in miniature by your favorite scale model manufacturer. Such a legend deserved an impressive scale. That is why we are bringing you this car in 1/12 scale. Measuring 34 centimeters long—half the length of the imposing American Charger or Firebird—it will easily find a place in any Beetle collector's home! This community truly worships the most famous Volkswagen model in the world. And it is easy to see why when looking at that retro design, recognizable at first glance. Our miniature Volkswagen Beetle comes in a gorgeous shade named "Brunswick Blue". It is based on a 1963 US-spec model. It can be distinguished from a European version by its double bumpers, "Sealed Beam" headlights, and oversized turn signals.

How to Order the 1/12 Scale Beetle?

You can order this 1/12 scale miniature car right now on the page dedicated to this special sale. Simply choose the model(s) you are interested in on the store and add them to your cart. Before finalizing your order, feel free to complete your collection with the last remaining units of past numbered limited editions. It is the perfect time to treat yourself!