Moreton VW Beetle fans share why they love their bugs

Annette Mullen and Taylor Hemers-Lawson are members of the Bad Little Bug-gers V-Dub Club, and both own 1971 VW Superbugs. They explain why they love their Beetles.

THE last VW Beetle may have rolled off the production line in July, but these two car lovers say it makes them even prouder to have one in their garage.

Annette Mullen and Taylor Hemers-Lawson are members of the Bad Little Bug-gers V-Dub Club, and both own 1971 VW Superbugs.

They love the curves, the sound and the attention their cars get on the road.

Taylor, 19, learnt to drive in her first Beetle, a 1963 model.

The Rothwell resident has all the Herbie movies and a complete VW Hot Wheels set, plus a model of her own car at home.

“I’m obsessed,” she says, laughing. “There’s nothing else like the Beetle.”

VW Beetles owned by Annette Mullen and Taylor Hemers-Lawson.

There’s no airconditioning or mod cons but when you’re moving and the windows are down, both agree it’s a fun car to drive.

Annette, 42, reckons everyone has a “bug story” and says there’s a romanticism attached to the Beetle and the Herbie movies.

“I’ve always had an interest in cars … the Beetle, I like the curves and I think they’re really cute,” she says.

Get behind the wheel.. Picture: Dominika Lis

The 1971 VW Superbug is her first Beetle and she’s had the beautifully-restored former rally car for about six years.

“It has a rally car engine in it, so it goes a bit faster than the normal ones,” Annette says.

She says the eye-catching paint job attracts attention.

“I’m pretty chuffed she’s responsible for bruised arms out there – punch buggy no returns,” she says.

Plenty of character. Picture: Dominika Lis

Taylor says her family has been associated with cars for as long as she can remember, but mostly Fords and Holdens.

She remembers seeing her first Beetle and saying she wanted one of those.

“I think it’s the history of the bug. It intrigued me, growing up,” Taylor says.

She’s had her current Beetle for a year and a half, and it’s about to be restored inside and out.

Take a look inside. Picture: Dominika Lis

The colour will remain honey brown — its original colour — but white will be added to the doors in a similar style to Annette’s car.

Taylor will also add roof racks with old-style baskets and suitcases.

They both enjoy seeing the next generation of car lovers turn their heads to take a look at their cars.

In fact, Annette dresses her car up for rallies to make sure it grabs attention — even adding a tiara.

“I find it amazing when kids say, ‘Mum, Dad look at that’ and they’re looking at my car,” Taylor adds.

VW Beetles owned by Annette Mullen and Taylor Hemers-Lawson. Picture: Dominika Lis

When asked how they feel about the last third-generation VW Beetle rolling off the production line in July at Volkswagen’s Puebla facility in Mexico, they sigh.

“I’m still depressed about it.

“But it makes me really proud to have one of them,” Taylor says.

“I live in hope they will change their minds like they did with the Kombi. They found a market. I’m optimistic,” Annette says.

The Bad Little Bug-gers V-Dub Club holds rallies and events across South East Queensland, including The Valley of the Dubs at Samford Showgrounds from March 27-29.

Visit blbvw.org.au for details on how to get involved or head along to the show shine ’n’ swap component on March 29.