Cinderella Style: Volkswagen Wedding Beetle

Ever driven in a car with no windscreen? Yeah me neither til I took a joyride in a Volkswagen Wedding Beetle around Key Biscayne. A wrought-iron-bodied masterpiece that gives me Cinderella’s coach vibes. I can see how the “Wedding Beetle” nickname stuck. I was both excited and nervous to ride in this “contraption” after all it’s quite exposed to the elements of the road.

It also garners a lot of attention from other drivers, definitely not your average sight on the road. As a Volkswagen Beetle aesthetic enthusiast I’m counting myself lucky. I’ve gotten to drive and or ride in some of the coolest, newest, and also even vintage Beetles. My teenage self is high fiving me and jumping for joy. There’s still more to see since the Beetle style has been around and loved for so long. I love that even though it’s currently retired it’s still beloved.

The Wedding Beetle origin story is quite interesting. Originally made as only a Beetle shell to be used as a sign for a Volkswagen parts shop in Mexico. Mexican welder Raphael Esparza Prieto attracted loads of attention with his detailed design. Volkswagen took notice as the shop was near their Mexican factory. They commissioned Raphael to build a running version of the car for use in the 1968 Olympic Games. A tribute of sorts to Volkswagen’s commitment to Mexico. After that it took off and about 20 of them were officially built for Volkswagen. Other metal artists around the world have built their own versions as well. It’s pretty interesting history if you’re in the mood for a google dive.

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Missed opportunity here to don a gown and dramatically shoot with this Beetle but I didn’t get this one as a loaner. I can’t drive stick unfortunately so I only had a short window of time to make my Beetle moment happen. Totally not on purpose I am wearing “glass slippers” (acrylic Zara mules) I was loving at the moment. At least I have that haha. I’ve recommended some favorite “glass slippers” below for your next Cinderella moment.

P.S. If you check out my VW Press Trips Highlight on Instagram you can see me riding in the Wedding Beetle. Also stay tuned for my factory visits both past and future!