The movie “The Love Bug”
More than 50 years ago,
I went to see the movie “Lovebug “with my father. The little Beetle “Harbie” on the big screen completely stole my heart.
Not long after, my dad bought me a miniature model of “Herbie”, the movie’s star car, at a department store. From that moment on, my head was filled with nothing but Beetles.
Back then, I never imagined that one day that very car would actually come to our home.
My dad brought back a Volkswagen Beetle catalog.
My father started talking about replacing our family car and brought home a Volkswagen catalog. Ever since we saw Lovebug, both of us had been captivated by the Beetle.
We spent hours saying things like, “Which color do you like best?” or “This model looks great too.” I can still remember those conversations vividly.
Our new Beetle “Harbie” arrived
And then, not long after, it really happened.
A shiny white Beetle was delivered and parked in our garage.
It was a 1972 model, 1300cc.
Of course, its name was “Herbie”.
As an elementary school kid, I was overjoyed. I’d sit in the driver’s seat, turning the steering wheel, fiddling with the gearshift, imagining the day I could drive it for real. Those moments with the Beetle became unforgettable memories I still treasure today.
Good-bye Harbie.
Twenty years passed. My father grew older, and I moved to Tokyo for work. The high cost of parking made owning a car nearly impossible on my salary, and after discussing it with my father, we made the painful decision to let “Herbie” go.
Your courage, your style.Thank you, Harbie, for giving us 20 years of joy!Farewell, Harbie!
It was heartbreaking, but I promised myself: “The next time I buy a car, it will definitely be a Beetle.”
Life in Tokyo was convenient—public transport and car-sharing made having my own car unnecessary. But after turning 50 and gaining a bit more financial freedom, the thought came back: “Maybe it’s time to own a car again… and of course, it has to be a Beetle.”
Harbie, We Meet Again
Eventually, I found one—a used, white Beetle, just like the one from my childhood.
The moment I first saw it, everything came rushing back: the unique engine sound, the smell inside the cabin… it was exactly as I remembered. I didn’t hesitate for a second.
And strangely enough, the delivery date turned out to be my father’s memorial day. It felt as if he had guided that Beetle back to me.
And so, a new chapter of my story with the Beetle began.
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