August 31 is the 70th anniversary date of the first Volkswagen Beetle being produced in South Africa, and Franschhoek Motor Museum is honouring this achievement with a display of various iconic VW models – including the museum’s own 1952 Beetle. Apart from ‘The People’s Car’, there will be examples of Kombis and Golfs along with a beach buggy. And as a modern example of VW’s decades old history of manufacturing models with high local content, a Polo Vivo will be on show.

The origin of what is now VW’s manufacturing plant in Uitenhage began in 1947 when South Africa Motor Assemblers and Distributors (SAMAD) began assembling Studebakers. Production of the Beetle began on 31 August 1951. Volkswagen acquired a blocking minority in SAMAD in 1956 before the facility was renamed Volkswagen of South Africa Limited at an extraordinary general meeting. And In 1974, the plant became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.

The VW Anniversary Display will be on view throughout August in Hall B. Towards the end of the month, the museum will host a Volkswagen Day – check out the FMM website for further news and details on this event.

Book your tickets HERE.