The
“World Volkswagen Day” will be
celebrated on Sunday the 21st of June in remembrance of this unique motoring
marvel that made motoring a way of life with over 21 million examples that
found their way into every nook and crevice of the world. Organized by The
Volkswagen Beetle Owners Club, the parade will head to Mount Lavinia Hotel
where the grand finale will take place.
The
event will pay tribute to Mr.Gordon Gunasekara who made his dream come true by
driving a VW Kombi Van from Ceylon to the UK way back in 1973. The colonial
atmosphere will be transformed into a mini fete with German food and music.
Headed by Mount Lavinia Hotel’s own German Chef Michael Goeggerle, the culinary
team will dish out popular German snacks and beverages for all those who wish
to come and admire the rows of Volkswagen Beetles that will be on display.
Mount
Lavinia has a special bond with the history of the VW Beetle in Sri Lanka.
Rather co-incidentally, the first VW Beetle was brought to Mount Lavinia with
the importation of a fleet of Buses of German origin that was consigned to the
order of the Colombo South Motor Bus Company based at Mount Lavinia. Along with
the fleet came a German Engineer who brought along with him his trusty 1949
Model VW Beetle that was registered in 1951. This also adds to the great
lineage that is shared with VW and Mount Lavinia.
It
was over 60 years ago that the first consignment of VW Beetles were introduced
to the driving public of Ceylon which began the “wave” of “Beetle mania” that
found the ownership of many who took up the challenge against the odds and the
criticism of a rear engine air-cooled machine that resembled a “Beetle . The
challenge was proven with humble thanks to the un-rivaled reliability, economy
and more than all, the light steering and responsive handling that won the hearts of over 3500 owners
within a short span of 7 years from 1953 right up to the restriction era of
1960.
The Beetle has created a sense of “joy” to the many
generations of owners who have considered the “Bug” as a member of the family
which may have been the decisive factor of the World dedicating a “day” for the
diminutive Beetle that is celebrated around the Globe. As in the previous
events, VW’s of all ages and colours are expected to participate in this year’s
celebrations as well. This event is certainly not to be missed by any person
who goes “gaga” on “Beetlemania”.