A car that needs no introduction, the original air-cooled VW Beetle origins go back to the 1930s.

However, Volkswagen's continuous development and modernisation of the design mean it shares nothing with those early cars, aside from a distinctive body outline.

The Beetle's most vibrant and successful era was the 1960s, thanks to its export potential and subsequent sub-culture that followed it, but its appeal was more than just its distinctive styling.

Built to a high standard, the Beetle set the benchmark for quality small cars.

Its proven reliability, ease of maintenance and robust design remain its key selling points.

Each successive generation of Beetles saw incremental engine and mechanical updates, and one of the most significant was the installation of the 1493cc engine in 1967.

Also fitted with front disc brakes, 12V electrics, revised suspension and an improved dashboard, it was the most desirable Beetle money could buy.

But it had a relatively short life.

VW entered the...