The Bulletproof 1978 Beetle

Imagine you live in Italy in the late seventies and belong to the upper class. The first owner of this Beetle was one of these people being an Industrialist in Bologna. Since 1974 Kidnapping formed a new money source for the Italian Mafia, the “Brigate Rosse” and the Terror Group “Anonima Sarda”. Especially in northern Italy, Kidnapping was on the rise and happened almost on a daily basis with its peak in 77`Usually, the kidnappings took place on the way to work or school.

As the first Owner wanted to have a life as normal as possible for him and his family and be free to move around the city for shopping and eating, he decided to buy a Beetle and have it converted to a Highjacking safe and Bulletproof Tank, with the look of a normal Beetle. He sends the Car to a specialist shop in Italy where the windows are changed with Bullet-Proof Glass.

Doors, Hoods and Luggage Compartment are updated with 3 cm Steel to protect from Gun shoots and Explosions.

The Doors are updated with safety bolts, to make it impossible to open the doors from outside.

Engine and Brakes stayed the same though the Car has around 300 kilos more weight to Carry.

But while driving, you barely feel the added weight. The family used the Car as their daily until 1984 when the kidnappings declined and Italy became safer again. 

Now, almost 45 years later the Beetle/Tank just ran a bit over 45.000km. It is in the same condition as back in the days. It just received a paint job in the original colour during its live. All Gadgets are still intact and in place. Just the Police Siren is not hooked up any more.

The current Owner visited the old Owner in Bologna to hear the Story First hand and evaluate the authenticity of the Car in 2019.

Bid here on the chance to own this incredible Bulletproof and High Jacking safe Beetle.

 Fotocredit to Auto Bild Klassik & ChromeCars