Original Herbie sells for $86,250 at NY auction

The Dream Factory auction held in New York by Bonhams and Turner Classic Movies saw the original 1963 Volkswagen Beetle auctioned for $86,250. It is the most expensive VW Beetle to be auctioned yet. The bug earned the fame it enjoys today through a series of Hollywood movies – the Herbie franchise. First introduced in The Love Bug (1968), the car sold at the auction was the original one featured in Herbie Rides Again (1974) and Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977). It is only car in the world to leave its tyre print at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

After disappearing for several years, the famed Beetle was found four years ago in a warehouse in Florida and was sold less than a year ago on eBay for $55,200.

Confirming the authenticity of the car is the steering column installed under the front seat connected by a series of sprockets and pulleys that allowed the stunt driver to drive from the back, making it look like Herbie was driving himself in the movies. The car auctioned also features the iconic livery, with the red, white, and blue racing stripes and the '53' decals on the hood and doors of the car. The buyer's details are unknown and  the car is currently not in pristine condition and will need a proper restoration to get its Hollywood charm back. 

Source