On a sunny day in May 1934, Adolf Hitler met Ferdinand Porshe after being smitten by the latter's innovative concept of a small and inexpensive car. At the meeting, it was decided to start the manufacture of the car, which later turned out to become one of the most sold automotives of all times - Volkswagen Beetle. However, it would be a surprise for someone landing at Thrissur to find a Volkswagen that dates back to 1965, with a Nazi Germany genesis, doing the rounds at Swaraj Round!
A common sight for the morning walkers at the Round, the 1965 Volkswagen Beetle is owned by Roy J. Kattookkaran, a jeweler, who bought the prized possession long ago from a friend in Alappuzha. "There's no wonder they call it the people's car. Manufactured in 1965, it still runs better than most of the cars available here," he exclaims.
The Bug runs not just on the streets around the Vadakkumnathan Temple, but at every moto expo and show happening in Kerala. "I have taken part in several motor shows and expo and have won most of contests in the vintage auto category. What better qualification for a vintage car than a connection with World War-II!"
Though the car runs smoothly, its maintenance is not that easy, says Roy. "I believe this car is so special that adding or replacing something non-German would make it substandard. My friend Vinoj, who is a professional mechanic and one who knows these types of cars, helps me a lot in finding the original spare parts like the white wall tires," he adds. Roy has been importing every spare part from Germany through markets in Mumbai and Kolkata.
The four-seater off-white coloured beauty has a natural air cooling system. According to Roy, barring this one, there are no other 1965 Beetles anywhere in Kerala. He has got offers worth several lakhs for the car, but no stash of money could ever come in between Roy and his Beetle. He explains, "I have been offered such a big price for the car using which I can buy a brand new luxury car. But it's not about the money. No money can bring you that special feel you get while driving this car. I can't imagine anyone else driving the car." He doesn't let anyone take the wheels either.
Roy is now gearing up to for a day-long drive through the Nilgiris to Ooty in his beloved Beetle. There are more heights left to conquer.
