THEY say that the key to sustaining love is through a Volkswagen Beetle.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Well, at least that was the case for Wagga man Bruce Dicker, who has some fond memories of his early days with the iconic brand.
The 77-year-old recalls what the car means to him as the final Beetle was produced this week at the company's plant in Puebla, Mexico.
Mr Dicker has owned two different Beetles since 1960 and said that was how he travelled to meet his girlfriend, who eventually married him.
"It was mainly because I was in the Air Force in Sydney and it was a long way to travel to see her," the 77-year-old said.
"But distance was no hazard when you have one of these - I bought it brand new and drove it for over 330,000km."
However, he then sold his first Beetle before buying another one about 20 years ago.
"We put a lot of love and care into that first car," he said.
"Another mate and I restored it here for more than 2.5 years before another bloke bought it off me."
Distance was no hazard when you have one of these.
- Bruce Dicker
The second Beetle, and the one he currently owns, is an 'arctic white' 1964 model with a mileage of just 57,000km.
Only the wheels' hubcaps and the bumper bars have been modified - mainly re-chromed.
The interior is all original, including the 'Jesus handle' in front of the passenger's seat.
Mr Dicker, a Riverina Volkswagen Club member, explains that because it has no seat belt, passengers may need to hold onto something and yell should they experience a scary moment.
Asked about the model being no more, Mr Dicker said it is a sad time.
"But that's life, things change," he said.
"There are only two definite things in life and they apply to cars, too."
The Beetle has symbolised many things over a history spanning the eight decades since 1938.
Throughout its history, it has been a part of Germany's darkest hours as a never-realised Nazi prestige project.
It is also a symbol of Germany's postwar economic renaissance and rising middle-class prosperity. An example of globalisation, sold and recognised all over the world.
An emblem of the 1960s counterculture in the US. Above all, the car remains a landmark in design, as recognisable as the Coca-Cola bottle.
The last of 5961 Final Edition versions went to a museum after ceremonies in Puebla this week to mark the end of production.
As for Mr Dicker and his current prized possession, which has historic plates, he takes it out for a cruise once in a while.
"These cars are renowned for their reliability," he said.
