From the Archives: Customized Volkswagen Beetles

Here’s four images from the Volkswagen folder in the Los Angeles Times print archive. Back when VW Beetles seemed to be 10% of the vehicles on L.A. freeways, only the customized Bug stood out.

Enjoy

Scott Harrison

Aug. 13, 1985: This VW Beetle spotted in La Habra is a paean to individualistic lifestyles and the persistence of its collector-owner.

(Joe Kennedy / Los Angeles Times)

Oct. 25, 1972: Charles E. Bird, left, talks with Donald Brannen as he applies a United Airlines decal to a Volkswagen. Bird, through his Beetleboard advertising company, turned VW bugs into mobile billboards.

(Bill Varie / Los Angeles Times)

March 22, 1973: A Volkswagen modified to resemble a Rolls-Royce, complete with winged Victory hood ornament.

(Boris Yaro / Los Angeles Times)

See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here