Historic Volkswagen Beetle Prototype Visits FKFS

Yesterday, a remarkable piece of automotive history returned to its roots. As part of a historic commemorative drive marking the birth of the Volkswagen Beetle, one of the very first Beetle prototypes from 1936 visited the Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart (FKFS).

Accompanied by several early Beetle models, including even a VW Rometsch, a historic Volkswagen police car, and vintage police motorcycles, the convoy stopped at FKFS to commemorate the institute's connection to the early development of what would later become one of the world's most successful automobiles.

FKFS and the Early Development of the Beetle

Few people know that FKFS played an important role in the development of the first Beetle prototypes. Following extensive road tests, Prof. Wunibald Kamm, then Director of FKFS, summarized his assessment in the institute's final evaluation:

"Considering its low production costs and the expected selling price, the vehicle must be regarded as excellent overall."

This evaluation represented an important milestone in the development process of the vehicle that would later become the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.

Where History Meets Modern Research

One of the highlights of the visit was a photo session featuring the historic prototype in the FKFS Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Wind Tunnel. Along with an original 1:5 scale wooden model from 1936, displayed in the FKFS model wind tunnel, the photographs capture a unique moment in automotive history.

Presented side by side, the prototype and the clay model illustrate the journey from the earliest design concept to a roadworthy vehicle. At the same time, they highlight FKFS's long-standing contribution to automotive engineering and its enduring commitment to innovation.