The Beetle is perhaps the best-selling car of all-time. Truly, a recognizable shape that has stood the test of time. Adolf Hitler was searching for a people's car that was capable of transporting three children and two adults at speeds of sixty miles-per-hour. The car was to be inexpensive, costing the same as a motorcycle. Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to produce such a vehicle. There are many theories as to where the designs originated from. Some believe Hitler designed the vehicle. Some theorize that it was Joseph Ganz's 1920 design that was the true inspiration for the Beetle design. Porsche had created designs for the Mercedes-Benz 170H, which played into the design of the Beetle. Inspiration for the Beetle had been drawn from the Tatra vehicles, mainly the T97, that had been designed by Hans Ledwinka. Due to the similarities, Tatra launched a lawsuit which never really materialized due to Germany invading Czechoslovakia. The lawsuit was later re-opened after World War II and Volkswagen was forced to pay Tatra 3,000,000 Deutsche Marks. This left Volkswagen with little money for development of new Beetle models. The Volkswagen Beetle first came on the scene in 1947, but they were known by a different name. KdF, short for Kraft durch Freude meaning 'power by joy', was designated to these small, gas-friendly vehicles. In English, the name Beetle was used. In German, they were known as Kafer, and in French they were called Coccinelle. The 1970-1972 Volkswagen Beetle faced a flood of challenges, including a rising price, a stale design, fresher competitors, and ever-more-stringent safety and emissions standards. The 1972 Volkswagen Beetle lineup also adopted a larger rear window, four engine-lid cooling slots (versus two), a revised speedometer and control stalks, and a hinged parcel shelf behind the back seat. Amidst the gloom of slumping sales, Volkswagen nonetheless had reason to celebrate. Early in 1972, total Volkswagen Beetle sales topped 15,000,000, surpassing those of the Ford Model T to earn the bug the title of "world's most popular car."The car you see here is a highly desired triple black, 1972 convertible that is a wonderful little driver. Outside, the car is in great condition and shows extremely well. The paint on the car looks very good and is newer. The convertible top is brand new as well with no rips, tears or staining. Both front and rear bumpers are new as well as the side view mirrors. The headlights and turn signals have been replaced in the past as well. Inside, the seats are in very good condition with no rips or tears. The carpet looks good overall as well as the door panels and dash. The carpet does show some minor staining. The lights, blinkers, wipers and horn all work with no issues. This is an original radio delete car. Under the rear bonnet the little four cylinder runs great and starts with no issues. The engine compartment is very clean and original with no rot. Connected to the 4 speed manual transmission, the car is a blast to drive. The chrome wheels and hubcaps are new and wrapped with new radial tires. The underside is very solid with no rot to the floor pans that we have seen. The mileage currently shows 47,570 and the VIN number is 1522014436. . The car is being sold on a clean title.