Coming from Canada into Mexico, it always feels like we’ve stepped onto the set of an old-timey movie.
It’s the crumble of the colonial buildings that first set that scene. And then the unhurried lifestyle that we have to believe was the case in our home country too, once upon a time. Although that would have been well before our time, before advancements demanded a hurried lifestyle in order to work harder and buy better. In Mexico, even though mañana technically means tomorrow, it really just means any day after today. That change in pace always takes a bit of time to adjust to.
But the commonplace appearance of the classic Volkswagen Beetles represents that wistful retro feeling for us most of all.
Although developed in Germany (first sketched by Hitler himself, no less; he called it the “car of the people”), the bug has become a true icon of Mexico. Nicknamed vochos, the Beetle was the first car to ever be produced here.
And they are still everywhere.
Nicknamed vochos, the Beetle was the first car to ever be produced in Mexico.
In Mexico City, the Beetles were even used as taxis. In their originating city of Puebla, they were used as both taxis and police cars. The factory in Puebla opened in 1964 and continued until 2003, well beyond every other producing plant. The cars virtually disappeared from the US and Europe in the late 70s due to new safety and environmental regulations that they did not meet. In Mexico, this was less of an issue and demand remained high. Puebla continued to produce them until 2003 and was the last country on the planet to roll the classic model out their doors.
The car, complete with its sordid history, reminds us of our experience with the East German Trabant. Differences abound of course, especially given that the Beetle is in fact the most popular car in history with over 21.5 million built, and the Trabant was named one of the worst cars of all time. But no matter of the title earned, each invite a rush of nostalgia. Even a bit of longing to experience the time in which they thrived.
Most everything in retro-vision looks better than it actually was. But in Mexico, right now, among Beetles, brightly coloured buildings, and brilliant winter sun, we’ll choose to remain the sentimental idealists.
Take it allll in, kids.
This is a beautiful series of images. Love them!
Beatles aren’t just in Mexico – I saw a ton in northern Peru, probably for similar reasons! Lovely photos, as always.
I don’t believe there were any manufactured in Peru, just in Brazil. So probably not quite the same reason, but yes, we’ve seen many in South America too!
This is a beautiful collection! Classic retro is after my heart.
Arti recently posted..Of Contests, Creativity, and Fulfilling Dreams!
This post was so much fun. Thanks for sharing those amazing, colorful, little cars.
I love Beatles and they way it is photographed with picturesque streets of Mexico at background is beyond perfection !
Okay. Somebody say it already. Slug bug. Ouch. Slug bug. Ouch. Enough already. Slug bug.