Product Description

A highly-detailed account of the development and subsequent success of the Beetle, including much behind-the-scenes information. Originally published in 1970, Small Wonder focuses on the history of Volkswagen from its inception to 1970. With this edition, the author has written a new introduction which helps the reader to understand the relevance of the book to our times, in light of the release of the new beetle. Also new to this edition are expanded appendices including retail information for all Volkswagen models through 1997 and an updated how to tell the age of your beetle chart. Over 1.2 million paperback copies were sold when originally released, making Small Wonder the most successful Beetle book of all time. Often quoted as a reference source by subsequent histories, Small Wonder provided valuable insights and inside information gleaned from years of research within Volkswagen. Not only is the history of Volkswagen portrayed, but also that of the personalities that helped shape the direction of the company and of the Beetle itself. Features: At the time of writing, the author had full access to Volkswagen archives in Germany and the U.S. Detailed profile of Heinz Nordhoff, the man most responsible for the worldwide success of Volkswagen in the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The complete story of how the Beetle overtook the U.S. market. How advertising played a role, including the behind-the-scenes story of VW's ad agency at the time, DDB (Doyle Dane Bernbach) and their classic, Think Small, campaign. New section on, How to identify the year of a Beetle and a detailed look at the assembly process. 380 pages, 36 b/w photos

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #286554 in Books
• Published on: 1994-12-20
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 378 pages

Customer Reviews

The best for early Volkswagen history
I had to read this book for my senior project this year. It was my best source for the history section. Too bad the book dosn't go farther than the sixties.

Required reading for every VW fan.
I first read this book when I was 10 years old, and ever since it has amazed me how well written, interesting and researched was the original text. It's a shame that the story ends on the late 1960s, and considering that here in Mexico the little Beetle is still one of the best suited cars for the country, perhaps would be nice to have a second edition telling how it has made it to survive until the 1990s, becoming the "Car of the Century" and being registered on the Guiness Records with over 21 million cars produced on the last 60 years.

Only a car with such character could have this amazing story
I was given a copy of this book back in 1971 when I aquired my first car, a 1959 Bug. This book helped cement a lifelong love of the Volkswagen Beetle. The author did such an outstanding job turning an industrial wonder into a love story. This book should be included in the glovebox of EVERY new VW and is a must for any Volkswagen lover.