Porsche-Powered
Herbie #2
Herbie #2 from
1969's The Love Bug is famously known for being the only
Porsche-powered Herbie ever built for use in a film. When Dean Jones
and Buddy Hackett spin yarns about driving in the Porsche-powered Herbie,
they are referring to this car. Originally outfitted with a Super 90
engine, the car also has upgrades of Porsche drum brakes, Koni shock
absorbers, and Superior Control Arms which strengthen the rear. The
car can be seen in the film with different wheel combinations and even
with white brake drums at times. It is believed to be one of the
first Herbies ever built and was engineered by EMPI, of Volkswagen high
performance fame, during its prime. The car is largely still
original right down to its unique four point roll bar, the only original Love
Bug roll bar known to still exist. The rounded gusset on the
left side provides for easy identification, and it has been noted as
stealing the screen by a vast majority during the race sequences in the
film. Car is currently owned by the people at Terry's Beetle Service
in England.
The
car as seen in the film. Note the rounded roll bar gusset.
The
infamous Porsche engine (currently from a 356).
The
interior is amazingly mostly original.
The
car today after a rejuvenation in the early 2000's.
Note
the rounded roll bar gusset and compare to screencap above.
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