Ever wonder why the Herbie car still makes people smile decades after its movie debut? It’s more than a car—it’s a memory on wheels.
If you grew up watching The Love Bug, you remember the thrill. That little white Beetle with a big personality raced into hearts with the number 53 and red, white, and blue racing stripes. For many, Herbie wasn’t only a movie star. Herbie was the car that made us believe that machines could have a heart and maybe a little mischief.
Whether you’re looking to buy a Herbie, build one from scratch, or relive the magic, this guide will walk you through every step. You’ll get the facts you need to start your own Herbie adventure, from sourcing an authentic model to safe delivery to your driveway.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
If you're serious about owning, building, or protecting a Herbie car, here’s what you’ll learn in this article:
Where to find a Herbie
How to create your own Herbie car
How to ship and protect your Herbie
Overview
The Love Bug: Why This VW Beetle Became an Icon
What makes the Herbie car more than a vintage Volkswagen? It's the story behind it.
It all began in 1968 when Disney released The Love Bug, a film about a small, white Volkswagen Beetle with a racing spirit and mind of its own. Herbie wasn’t flashy or powerful, but he had heart. That’s what made him different and unforgettable.
Herbie Movies: From Screen to Legend
Herbie appeared in several follow-up movies: Herbie Rides Again, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo, and Herbie Fully Loaded. Every new installment contributed to the series' enchantment. For numerous fans, Herbie represented their initial encounter with a car transcending its mechanical function. He stood for fun, determination, and heart—qualities people instantly connected with.
Herbie stood out with a few unforgettable features:
Classic white VW Beetle body
Red, white, and blue racing stripes
The bold number “53” on the hood, sides, and back
A personality that somehow came through, without saying a word
What Makes a Herbie Car Authentic?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17F_CJna_odWciR4jkdM2NFYB5BtfLMuv/view?usp=drive_link
Not every Beetle bearing the #53 designation is an authentic Herbie. If you are considering purchasing or constructing one, it is essential to understand the key criteria that define a true Herbie.
Types of Herbie Cars
Fan builds: Created by enthusiasts. Some are better than others, depending on the detail.
Licensed replicas: Built with Disney’s blessing, often for promotional use.
Screen-used: Original Herbie cars used in the films, often verified by VIN and documentation.
The Herbie Authenticity Checklist
Interior: Keep it basic. Herbie wasn’t luxurious.
Model Year: 1963 is the gold standard.
Number 53: Correct font, size, and placement.
Stripes: Red, white, and blue from bumper to bumper.
Sunroof: A key feature in nearly all Herbie films.
Wheels: Whitewall tires with chrome VW hubcaps.
Building Your Own Herbie Replica
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EejQ1XMxoIwAkVTMFeYTBE-g_LgfXxpm/view?usp=drive_link
Ready to make your own Herbie? Here’s how to start.
Pick the Right Donor
The 1963 Beetle is the ideal base for building your own Herbie, as it matches the authentic Herbie model used in the films. However, Volkswagen models from 1960 to 1967 also work well, depending on condition. If you're searching for that particular Herbie foundation, prioritize structural integrity and originality. Avoid any donor vehicle with significant rust, especially around the fuel tank, rear quarters, or frame. These issues can add cost and delay.
Where to Get Parts
You'll need several distinctive elements to transform a standard Volkswagen Beetle into a Herbie car. Start with decals and racing stripes, available through specialty vendors catering to Herbie fans. Ensure the number “53” uses the correct font and is positioned accurately. For wheels, look for vintage chrome VW hubcaps with whitewall tires, ideally from reputable sellers or classic car shows.
The correct wheels are essential for authenticity. Many Herbie builds require a sunroof. If your donor Beetle didn’t come with one, custom suppliers offer sunroof retrofit kits matching screen-used versions. For additional details, like the proper racing stripe curvature or hood placement, consult Herbie builder forums or classic car collector groups.
Pro Tip: If you're still looking for a classic car like Herbie, check out the best sites to buy one online.
DIY vs. Hiring a Custom Shop: What’s the Best Way to Build Your Herbie?
When bringing your Herbie car to life, you have two options: doing it yourself or hiring a professional custom shop.
Why DIY Works for Some
Doing it yourself saves money. You can control your budget, source parts quickly, and decide how far you want to take the build. If you enjoy working on cars or learning as you go, it’s a rewarding process that builds a deeper bond with your vehicle. However, it's not fast. A DIY Herbie build can take months or years, depending on your availability and access to tools.
When to Hire a Shop
A custom shop might be worth it if you want a polished, film-accurate result with fewer headaches. Professionals can handle bodywork, deliver painted finishes with authentic racing stripes, and include the small touches that make your Herbie resemble a screen-used version. Some shops specialize in Volkswagen restorations or offer packages for classic Herbie builds.
With access to rare parts and experience dealing with stock and modified Beetles, shops streamline the process significantly. This route benefits those recreating a specific Herbie car from a movie scene, down to the wheels and sunroof.
Preserving the Particular Herbie Look
Here are tips to preserve your Herbie’s look:
Hand-wash only
Keep decals clean and dry
Store indoors or use a UV-blocking cover
Use mild wax on paint and chrome
Pro Tip: Want to keep your Herbie looking flawless for years to come? Follow the best practices for protecting classic vehicles to preserve your car's value.
Share the Fun: Events, Clubs, and Rentals
The joy of owning a Herbie car grows when you connect with fellow fans. Across the country, Herbie enthusiasts come together through local meetups, Volkswagen Beetle clubs, and themed events. Whether you're showing off your build or looking for inspiration, these gatherings are the perfect place to swap stories, parts, and passion. Find the best classic car displays nationwide to explore this iconic vehicle.
Popular ways to join the community include:
Classic car shows
Parade entries
Online fan groups and Herbie forums
VW Beetle clubs
A well-crafted Herbie can also be a hit at special occasions. Event planners often rent Herbies for unique moments that call for charm and nostalgia. If your Herbie is high-quality and well-maintained, it might do more than turn heads. It could offset your build costs or become part of your collection.
Common rental uses include:
Birthdays
Corporate events
Movie nights
Weddings
Beyond in-person meetups, online communities keep the spirit of Herbie alive around the clock. Several excellent places exist to find hard-to-source parts, connect with other builders, and share other details about your project. Whether seeking authenticity tips or feedback on your latest restoration step, these digital spaces are invaluable for growing your knowledge and passion.
Online communities:
Collector networks
Facebook Herbie groups
TheSamba VolksWagen forums
Final Thoughts: Herbie is More Than Just a Car—It’s a Legacy
From the silver screen to your driveway, the Herbie car brings more than nostalgia. It brings the connection between generations, between builders, and between fans. Whether chasing a childhood dream or starting one for someone else, Herbie gives you a reason to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Need to Ship Your Herbie Car?
You have the Herbie car. Perhaps you built it yourself or spent weeks searching to find it. Your Herbie is more than just a car—it’s a reflection of your passion.
At AmeriFreight Car Shipping, we understand that classic cars require more care than the average vehicle. That’s why we offer auto transport services designed to handle your classic cars with the utmost attention.
Get your free quote now, and let Herbie get a smooth and safe ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Herbie number 53?
Herbie is number 53 as a tribute to Dodgers pitcher Don Drysdale.
Where is the real Herbie car?
Several real Herbie cars still exist in private collections and automotive museums worldwide.
Does Herbie still exist?
Yes, several authentic Herbie cars used in the films still exist today and are preserved in private collections, museums, or showcased at classic car events.
