Volkswagen Beetle – 23 Million Sold
The Beetle is a sort of macabre creation – after all, Hitler himself sanctioned its design and production. Hitler wanted a car that could be mass-produced for the German people to fill the country’s new road network. Hitler contracted none other than famed sportscar maker Ferdinand Porsche in 1934 to design and build the Beetle.
Although the Beetle’s history is mired in nationalism and mass genocide, it is undeniable the best-selling hatchback ever. With over 23 million sold from 1938 to modern day, the “Bug” sets the gold standard for what a hot hatch should be. Although the original Beetle had a measly 25 horses under its rear bonnet, thanks to a 1,100- to 1,600-c.c. engine, the Beetles of today are quite sporty. A 2.0L turbo motor easily thumps out around 200 horses in a chassis weighing just 3,000 pounds.
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While the modern Beetle enjoys success today, the generations before have truly spurred an international cult following. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Vietnam, Ireland, and the UK have welcomed the Beetle with open arms. One-off models have even competed in drag racing, the Trans-Am Series, the Baja 1000, and other racing venues with great success.
