The former king of Belgium, Baudouin, drove one. So did Jack Nicholson. And as for The Beatles, well Paul McCartney owned one, while the notoriously poor driver John Lennon would surely have crashed one had he been an owner. We're talking about the famous Beetle, a hundred of which were a head-turner in southern Thailand recently.
United in their passion for the vintage Volkswagen, a multinational crew of Volkswagen owners toured the southern provinces, raising money for charity and delighting thousands of kids of all ages as they paraded in a long and colourful spectacle through villages and towns.
These lovers of the classic VW badge have carved out a niche in the motor vehicle market, forming clubs in and around Bangkok. They have also made their mark in the South.
Late last month, they joined Beetle owners in one of the largest VW spectaculars ever, gathering in Songkhla. About 400 owners, many from Malaysia and Indonesia, roared onto Songkhla beach for a unique convention.
The wheels started rolling on May 21 in Nakhon Si Thammarat when the VW lovers held a mass caravan tour. During the tour, they took part in activities to donate money and other necessities to people at Ban Sichon shelter for the homeless in Sichon district.
They later set up camp on a beach in the district, where more than 100 Volkswagen cars were the main showcase that wowed locals and tourists.
The event created a rare opportunity for lovers of classic VW vehicles to meet and share their experiences, and to trade ideas on how to keep their vintage cars in tip-top condition as well as where to find spare parts.
Nipon Noosawat, owner of the grilled bread business empire under the brand "Apang Man", which has more than 300 franchises nationwide, said he often used his VW van to deliver bread to his customers. The vehicle gave him a sense of connection with customers and underlined the progress of his business.
"I chose to use a vintage vehicle because it suits my lifestyle," Mr Nipon said. "A VW really helps recharge my energy."
Mr Nipon said the vintage van helped his business from the beginning. At first he used it to sell fresh milk at petrol stations and flea markets. All the while, he kept his "old friend" in good working condition. The van was a drawcard wherever he went, and he often felt its appearance actually smoothed the ruffled feathers of irate motorists stuck in heavy traffic.
He drove hundreds of kilometres to join the convoy in Nakhon Si Thammarat. "During the journey, we made many friends from various backgrounds and professions. Although we were talking for the first time, it was like we had known each other ages."
Thatri Salulthongruang, 40, who works for Khao Roop Chang tambon administration organisation in Songkhla, said he had been using his VW Beetle for three years. Even though it often needs repairs, nothing dims his love for the vehicles.
"I feel it has a one-of-a-kind identity, with a style that turns heads. I felt like I wanted a car that stands apart," he said. Mr Thatri has named his car "Mr Chalarm Sak", or Mr Shark. The name is drawn from the car's front which looks like a shark.
"VW owners have a strong determination and an unrelenting attitude about them," he said. They love the vintage vehicle and are not fazed by the need for regular maintenance. Each model has its own story and it is fun to share this with other VW enthusiasts, he said.
Mr Thatri was lucky to acquire Mr Chalarm Sak, a 1971 model, from his sister who bought it from a friend. She rarely used the vehicle.
The vehicle fulfilled his childhood dream of being a proud owner and driving around in a VW car. He fell in love with the iconic, beetle-like exterior of the vehicle because it stands out in traffic.
A 34-year-old skincare consultant, Jirapan Kong-iead, who has been driving her VW Beetle for about 10 years, said it has given her the chance to meet up with other VW lovers and learned about their vehicles and how to maintain them. She has driven her "four-wheel companion" extensively throughout the country and to Malaysia.
Ms Jirapan said owning a vintage car has encouraged her to learn new things about them, such as how to undertake certain repairs. Once a novice in automobile repairs, she now knows how to cope with the heavy demands of maintenance.
She describes the VW car as the love of her life because "it's cute to drive around in", and although the vehicle generally cannot go very fast, she feels safe behind the wheel.
To get hold of an old VW is not easy as they do not come by often. "There are times when you don't always get what you want, even if you have the money to buy it. That's different from getting a new car which you can order and buy off the showroom," Ms Jirapan said.
During the trip to Songkhla, she was amazed to see in her rear-view mirror the many VW vehicles of different ages, colours and looks forming a long parade as they moved along the road.
"It's not important what model of car you drive or which year it was made. The issue is whether you are sincere and thoughtful about your car," said Ms Jirapan, insisting she will never change her vintage car for a new one.
A 40-year-old freelance technician, Weerapong Rakruan, said the Beetle's classic look is captivating and speaks for the owner's individuality. He said he makes it a point to join gatherings of VW lovers and goes on upcountry trips with them.
Mr Weerapong, who has been driving a VW for five years, is a skilled repairman and is willing to help fellow VW club members when their vehicles break down. He specialises in the repair of VW engines and mechanical systems, which need a pair of strong hands and an ability to diagnose faults just by listening to strange noises the engine makes.
Repairs keep him busy much of the time, and sometimes they prevent him from joining the VW trips.
Joranin Keanduang, a 48-year-old interior designer, who owns a Variant Type 3 VW, a 1969 model, said his car offers him a sense of a slow-paced life, and he feels relaxed when he eases into the driver's seat.
The slow life is a contrast to his regular work in interior design which requires intense concentration and fast thinking.
Vintage Volkswagen (VW) Beetles and vans travel together in a rarely-seen convoy through the lower section of the South, hitting the road in Nakhon Si Thammarat in May before heading some 200km further on the southerly route to Songkhla. The group of avid VW lovers bound by a common passion for the classic vehicles and a carefree spirit find companionship among the members whose conversations revolve around the VW cars - and where to get hold of the spare parts.
