You don’t need to drive a Beetle to hear its engine’s signature hum. Over the years, that flat-four found second lives in unexpected places. Engineers loved its simplicity, and entire car cultures rallied around its sound. This list explores ten cars that wouldn’t exist without the heart of the original Beetle beneath the rear.

Porsche 356

The Porsche 356 may look like a sleek German sports car, but its DNA starts with the Beetle. Built light and designed for nimble handling, this car made waves in motorsports. The engine’s simplicity kept it reliable, while its style set a new tone for performance elegance.

Volkswagen Type 2 Bus

Spacious and reliable, the Volkswagen Type 2 Bus became the vehicle of choice for road trips. Symbolizing freedom, it helped define a culture of travel. Decades later, this van still represents exploration, proving it’s a vehicle rooted in wanderlust.

Dune Buggy

The Dune Buggy was made for thrill-seekers, excelling on rugged terrain and in desert races. Its lightweight frame and adaptability made it an iconic off-roading vehicle. From sand dunes to race tracks, the Dune Buggy’s performance made it a go-to for off-road fans.

Volkswagen Thing

Designed for military use, the Volkswagen Thing transitioned to civilian life with ease. Its boxy, utilitarian design makes it ideal for off-road adventures. Known for versatility, the Thing remains a favorite among collectors, showing that rugged functionality pairs well with fun.

Beach Buggy

Built for more than just looks, the Beach Buggy blended Volkswagen reliability with raw, sandy excitement. It was light on weight but heavy on personality, a vehicle that made you want to take the long route, preferably through the dunes.

Karmann Ghia

The Karmann Ghia seamlessly combined luxury with simplicity. With its sleek, compact design and affordable price, it became a popular choice in the 1960s. Thanks to the Beetle’s mechanics, it also offered reliable performance while maintaining an elegant look, making luxury accessible.

Specially Modified Formula Vee

Formula Vee racing uses the Beetle engine and focuses on skill over horsepower, offering an affordable entry point into motorsports. Known for launching the careers of professional drivers, it proves that racing talent shines when matched with simple equipment and sharp driving instinct.

VW Fridolin

The VW Fridolin, with its unique boxy design, was created as a delivery vehicle. Though recognition was limited, its practicality and quirky appeal have made it a rare collectible today. Its distinctive shape, along with limited numbers give it lasting charm among automotive fans.

Hebmuller Convertible

With only 696 units made, the Hebmuller Convertible ranks among the rarest air-cooled VWs. Its symmetrical cabriolet design feels minimalist yet stylish. A production-halting fire made it even more elusive. The unique VW holds strong value among collectors and automotive historians.

Ghia 1300

The Ghia 1300 combined Beetle-engine reliability with luxurious design. Compact, stylish, and surprisingly comfortable, it was a hit in the 1960s. This car showed that high-end design came without a steep price tag, turning affordable luxury into an everyday driving experience.