USA - 65 years ago a car that became a legend was first sold in the USA - That car was the Beetle.

The first VW Beetle arrived in the United States in January 1949. Since then, more than 5.5 million Beetle models have been sold in the U.S., in three distinctive designs

This month, the Volkswagen Beetle celebrates 65 years since it first arrived in the United States. In January of 1949, a Volkswagen “Type 1,” or Beetle, was shipped to New York City by Ben Pon, Sr., a Dutch businessman and the world’s first official Volkswagen importer. That car—and another, subsequent Beetle— found buyers the same year, marking the first time that Volkswagen vehicles were sold in the United States.

A cultural touchstone for an entire generation and one of the most iconic cars in the world, the Beetle led to the establishment of the first Volkswagen of America headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., in October 1955. In 65 years, Volkswagen has grown from selling two Beetle models in the U.S. to a brand that offers 11 different models that are sold by 644 dealers. In 2013, Volkswagen sold 407,704 vehicles, its second straight year of selling more than 400,000 vehicles and the first time this feat had been achieved since the 1970s.

By the mid-1950s, more than 35,000 Beetle models were on the road, and by 1960, nearly 300,000 had found buyers. Americans were not only drawn to the affordability and practicality of the early Beetle, but were so charmed by its unique design, its size, and its fuel economy that they’d forged an emotional bond with the cars.

“Since its arrival in the United States 65 years ago, the Volkswagen Beetle has preserved its reputation of being more than just a car, but a symbol of uniqueness and freedom,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “The Beetle has become part of the cultural fabric in America and we are proud that its rich heritage continues to live with fans around the States.”

From custom paint jobs to open-top Dune Buggy bodies, the Beetle fit perfectly into the counter-culture of the 1960s. By 1968, as many as 423,008 Beetle vehicles a year were being sold in the United States. In 1977, the last “Type 1” Beetle rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen introduced the New Beetle in 1998, a vehicle that paid styling homage to its predecessor, although its engine was water cooled rather than air cooled, and mounted at the front rather than at the rear.

Redesigned for just the second time in history, the third-generation Beetle entered the U.S. market in 2011. While staying true to its roots, today’s Beetle would be unrecognizable to buyers in the 1950s, thanks to its combination of powerful and fuel-efficient engines, sure-footed handling, and myriad technology and safety features. In addition to being fun-to-drive, the 2014 Beetle earned a 5-star Safety Rating from the Government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

The third-generation Beetle sold more than 43,000 units in the United States in 2013, making it one of the most popular vehicles in the Volkswagen family, and a leading player in the market for two-door specialty coupes and convertibles.

THROW BACK THURSDAY 009 - Land Rover celebrates 65 years in style

THROW BACK THURSDAY

Two years ago, Land Rover release the below press release to celebrate the marque's 65th year, and two years later, we see that the brand back then, is so far removed from what we have today, and into the future, with new models already here, about to be launched, and products undergoing development now, the future for Land Rover is as secure now, as it has ever been, and is a brand that  others can only dream of emulating.

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• April 30th marks Land Rover’s 65th anniversary
• Celebratory Defender LXV Special Edition launched
• Special event showcases 65 years of Land Rover innovation
• Most significant collection of Land Rovers ever including 130 heritage vehicles at  
• Packington Estate; the original testing ground for Land Rover

This week, Land Rover will mark 65 years of technology and innovation with a celebratory event at Packington Estate near Solihull; Land Rover’s first off-road proving ground.

To celebrate the 65th Anniversary on 30th April 2013, Land Rover will launch a Special Edition Defender – the ‘LXV’. Since its inception, the Defender has now sold in excess of two million units. In the UK, 65 Defender LXVs will be available in 90” Hard Top form. The LXV is based on the standard Land Rover Defender Hard Top and is equipped with the 2.2-litre diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission, producing 122PS@3,500rpm of power and 360Nm@2,000rpm of torque.

This striking Special Edition sports 16-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels and comes in Santorini Black with contrast Corris Grey roof, grille, headlight surrounds and facia. The interior boasts exclusive full leather seats with LXV embossed front headrests and unique orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel and centre cubby compartment to complement exterior LXV decals. A union flag decal is located on the rear of the vehicle. Pricing in the UK will start from £28,765.

Over 130 heritage Land Rover vehicles will attend the celebratory event at Packington Estate which was the testing ground for the original 1947-48 Land Rover prototypes through to the Range Rover development vehicles of the late 1960’s and early 70’s. These vehicles will showcase key milestones in Land Rover’s 65-year history and also some 4x4 world firsts such as anti-lock brakes, adjustable air suspension, Electronic Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response® and Stop/Start technologies.

The vehicles on display will demonstrate Land Rover’s legendary breadth of capability, with ploughing, emergency service, military, expedition, royal and concept vehicles all firmly positioning Land Rover as the world’s most versatile vehicle. They will sit alongside Land Rover’s current model line-up – the Defender, Discovery, Freelander, All-New Range Rover, All-New Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque – and include the brand’s latest technological innovations in the form of the new Electric Defender research vehicle and the world’s first 9-speed transmission for a passenger car.

In a nod to the brand’s rich heritage in the provision of adapted vehicles for military use, a cake in the shape of the very first Land Rover nicknamed ‘HUE’ will be flown in by special delivery in a Lynx helicopter by a member of the ‘Black Cats’ Royal Navy display team,  renowned for thrilling audiences with their dynamic air displays.

John Edwards, Land Rover’s Global Brand Director says: “Land Rover is celebrating 65 years of proud heritage. It is in fact a dual celebration, as March saw Land Rover deliver the strongest ever monthly and quarterly sales performance in its history.

“Since 1948, every component in our vehicles has been designed and engineered with intent and Land Rover continues to this day, to build the world’s most capable all-purpose vehicles. A blend of refinement, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability make Land Rover vehicles distinctive and unique, ready to tackle the world’s most challenging and inhospitable terrain.”

John Edwards continues: "The all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are the result of unprecedented investment in technology, in engineering and in our manufacturing facilities to produce the world’s first SUVs with a lightweight aluminium body structure. Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of Land Rover and we will continue to develop innovative new technology and sustainable motoring solutions for the future, whilst retaining the class-leading and legendary breadth of capability that Land Rover’s heritage is built upon."