Volkswagen Ireland is celebrating 75 years in business in 2025 and, to mark the anniversary, it has brought home the first Volkswagen ever assembled outside of Germany, which just happened to be built in Dublin back in 1950. It's affectionately referred to as the 'Ballsbridge Beetle' and it will be in the country until the end of the year.
What exactly is the 'Ballsbridge Beetle'?
It's an original Volkswagen Beetle Type 1, finished in almond green, that was assembled from a 'CKD' (Completely Knocked Down) kit on Shelbourne Road in Ballsbridge in 1950. Back then, it sold for IR£465 and came with a 1.1-litre air-cooled petrol engine producing just 25hp - enough for a top speed of about 100km/h. It wasn't quick, but it was simple, dependable and within reach for many Irish buyers.
Where has the car been all this time?
It usually lives in the Zeithaus museum at Volkswagen's Autostadt complex in Wolfsburg, Germany. It's still in mostly original condition, apart from a few safety tweaks like added indicators.
Where and when can people see it?
The Beetle will be on display at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks in Dublin, on the first Saturday of each summer month: June 7, July 5 and August 2. For starters. It's highly likely to make more public appearances than that.
Why does this car matter?
It marks the beginning of Volkswagen's story in Ireland and represents one of the earliest examples of the brand's global expansion. It's also a reminder of how car ownership started to open up to ordinary people in the post-war era. According to Volkswagen Brand Director Alan Bateson, “It is a privilege to have our very own 'Ballsbridge Beetle' back home in Dublin to mark the 75th year of Volkswagen in Ireland. The 'Ballsbridge Beetle' is very special to us, it marks the start of the Volkswagen brand in Ireland back in 1950, it's a celebration of Irish automotive history and represents the strong connection the Volkswagen brand has to Ireland. We are very proud to exhibit this piece of automotive history in the National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks over the summer.”
What does the museum say about hosting it?
Dónal Maguire of the National Museum says it fits perfectly with their focus on Irish design, industry and cultural life:
“We are delighted to host the 'Ballsbridge Beetle's' visit home to Ireland on the 75th anniversary of its assembly in Dubin. Collins Barracks holds the national collections of Irish design, industry and cultural life and these histories are reflected in the story of this much-loved car, the people who made it, and its place in Irish memory. We look forward to welcoming our visitors to the Museum to see the Beetle and to connect with our collections, Irish history and our shared heritage.”
And a quick bit of Beetle history?
The original Beetle was developed in 1930s Germany and became one of the most successful cars of all time, with over 21 million built. Its basic engineering, distinctive styling and worldwide popularity made it an icon. Though production ended in 2003, the Beetle's legacy lives on - and in Ireland, it started right here in Ballsbridge.