VW's are not only a passion, it's a way of life

The Volkswagen Beetle was introduced to Ceylon at the time in the early fifties with the first consignment of VW Beetles that arrived in 1953. Ceylon at the time was at its infancy as an independent Nation and many a young professionals having obtained their professional qualifications took to the wheel of the new Volkswagen Beetle that became somewhat a “Statement” at the time and we are proud to note of the many individuals who steered the future of Ceylon were in fact owners of Volkswagen Beetles. The Beetle was the firm favorite amongst most professionals and also began the rave for Females who took to the wheel of the dominative Bug due to its light steering and ease of handling. The Fame of the car lead to the expansion of branch operations in the Hill Capital as well. The resounding success of this rear engined Air Cooled mode of transport is evident with the outstanding imports that began in 1953 whereby the local agents having sold over 3500 Beetles within a seven-year period on the eve of import restrictions that was imposed to the island in 1960. This was followed by the later models of the VW 1300 and the much loved VW1303 models that poured in by private importers during the “Closed” Era which was the preferred choice amongst the motor-minded Lankan.

To most owners of Volkswagen Beetles, it is not a mere mode of transportation but a part of the family which is evident looking at the ownership of the car that has served many generations which prompted the formation of the Volkswagen Beetle Owners’ club, Sri Lanka.