Herbie Love Bug Beetle Auctioned for $86,000

A 1963 Volkswagen Beetle that starred in the Disney Herbie Love Bug movies was sold for $86,250 at the Dream Factory auction held by Bonhams and Turner Classic Movies in New York City. This makes it the most expensive Beetle ever sold, according to the auction house.

The vehicle was featured in the Herbie Rides Again and Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo films, which were the second and third installments in the movie franchise. The car had been lost for several decades before being discovered in a warehouse in Florida a few years ago. The same car was sold on eBay less than a year ago for $55,200.

For the movies, the car was modified so that it appeared to be capable of driving itself. This required a series of sprockets and pulleys connected to a second steering column installed under the front seat to allow a stunt driver to control the 60-hp car from the back seat.