A New (Old) Beetle?

A total of 21 529 464: that's the number of Beetles Volkswagen manufactured from 1938 to 2003. We track down one of two Última Edicións in South Africa, manufactured during the final days of production in Mexico in 2003

- By Wilhelm Lutjeharms

The Beetle is an automotive icon. One of the most prolific cars ever made. With its roots in Germany's pre-war era, it has become a true motoring symbol of the 20th century. Movies were made about them, they appeared on racetracks and, at the start of the 21st century, Volkswagen even reincarnated the Beetle with a modern version.

VW Beetles have followers across the globe, but some enthusiasts take their enthusiasm for this model to another level ... enter Tyrone Morris, the owner of this rare 2003 Última Edición.

From a distance, the tyres grab your attention, but the closer you get, the more you realize this model is unlike any other. There are several exterior details: the two side mirrors are a rare luxury and only fitted to the Cabriolets. Open the rear engine lid, and the modern twist on the air-cooled 1,6-litre flat-four engine (also called the ACD engine) is immediately visible. The surprises continue in the cabin. Owners of Golf 1 and 2s will recognize some parts and design elements and I had to look twice at the standard CD/radio player ... in a Beetle!

Although Tyrone keeps this car in a mint condition, he uses it sparingly. It has covered 10 000 km but still looks brand new.