Here’s something you don’t see every day: a see-through 1967 VW Beetle made from wrought iron by Canadian enthusiast Brian Mentley, recently going viral on social media.
From Superinnovators 23/08/24
Brian, a mechanic from Windsor, Ontario, crafted this unique, road-worthy vehicle in his spare time back in the early 2000s, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts online.
He took the “Iron Rod” on its first major trip in 2006, a cross-Canada journey along with his wife and two daughters, raising money for cancer charities after losing a loved one.
Since then, he and his daughter have toured Route 66 and Europe, sharing their adventures in the unusual Beetle across social media platforms.
Driving the open-frame car is quite breezy, so Brian installed a windscreen to protect against bugs and other road debris.
Interestingly, Brian’s project is part of a broader tradition, dating back to the 1960s in Mexico, where wrought iron Beetles were first created.
According to vintage VW blogger Old Bug. Rafael Esparza Prieto, a Mexican blacksmith, built the original iron Beetle using a real car as a mould, shaping intricate iron patterns.
Volkswagen took notice and commissioned Rafael to craft more for the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, boosting his reputation.
These cars became iconic, especially in the wedding industry, where they were used as eye-catching, ornate vehicles.
Only 23 of these wrought iron Beetles were made by Rafael, making them rare collectibles that are highly sought after today.
Rafael’s “Casa Linda Lace” Beetle fetched $78,400 at an auction in 2019, demonstrating their enduring value among vintage car collectors.
The combination of automotive function and artistic design has inspired metalworkers like Brian to continue this unique tradition.
So, when you see a wrought iron Beetle, remember it’s more than just a car—it’s a blend of history, art, and engineering.
More info
https://www.instagram.com/therodiron
https://www.oldbug.com/ironbug.htm
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