Volkswagen Coccinelle white (off-white) 2000 - Auto Plus
Echelle: 1/43ème
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This Volkswagen Coccinelle miniature captures the rounded silhouette of the New Beetle, the modern version of the famous Coccinelle launched in 1998. Produced by Auto Plus in 1/43 scale, it represents a 2000 model in an off-white shade, discreet and elegant, which highlights the vehicle's curves.
For a model car enthusiast, this piece naturally finds its place among models that recall an era and a shape that have become legendary. It appeals as much to collectors who want to complete a series as to enthusiasts attracted by vehicles that have marked automotive history.
In the mid-1990s, Volkswagen decided to revive the Coccinelle. The concept presented at the Detroit show in 1994 generated immediate enthusiasm. The public instantly recognised the rounded lines of the original, but the car was designed for a modern clientele. The project used the Golf IV platform, offering better road holding, a more spacious cabin and safety compliant with the standards of the time. Production started in Puebla, Mexico, before worldwide sales began in 1998.
Under the bodywork, the New Beetle offered a range of engines from the economical 1.9 TDI diesel to the 2.0 petrol, then the 1.8T turbo and the more sporty VR6. Original equipment included a dashboard inspired by retro design, with its famous integrated flower vase, a detail that appealed to a wide clientele. The sunroof, chrome wheels and pastel colours completed a package that fully embraced its identity.
Commercial success followed. The New Beetle was particularly popular in the United States and Europe, establishing itself as a car of character, chosen as much for its style as for its spirit. It remained in production until 2010, a testament to the longevity of this concept born from openly embraced nostalgia.
The history of the Volkswagen brand begins in Germany in the 1930s. The Nazi regime wanted a popular car accessible to families and entrusted Ferdinand Porsche with designing a simple and robust vehicle. The first Coccinelle prototype was unveiled in 1936, and the Wolfsburg factory was founded in 1938 to produce it. The world war interrupted the project, but the factory resumed activity after the war, under the impetus of the British occupation authorities.
In the 1950s, Heinrich Nordhoff restored the company by focusing on the Coccinelle, whose sales exploded around the globe. The model became the emblem of the German economic miracle. In 1972, the Coccinelle surpassed the total of the Ford Model T, reaching more than 21 million units, a record still cited by automotive historians.
Over the decades, Volkswagen broadened its range with the Golf, the Passat and the Polo, but the Coccinelle remained the symbol of the brand. The return of the New Beetle in the 1990s proved that this strong identity can stand the test of time and appeal to new generations.
In 1968, Disney studios released “The Love Bug”, whose hero is not an actor but a Volkswagen named Herbie. The character, a small white Coccinelle with a racing stripe and number 53, has a personality all its own and begins collecting race victories alongside outlandish adventures. The film was a considerable success and turned the Coccinelle into a true big-screen star.
The phenomenon quickly went beyond cinema. In an era marked by student protest and the hippie movement, the little German car became a symbol of freedom and fun. It appeared on American campuses, at music festivals and on Californian roads, carried by an image of simplicity and good humour.
Herbie later inspired several sequels and remakes, and his appearance is still instantly recognisable today. Model car enthusiasts have often associated the Coccinelle with this character, and white editions naturally evoke that world. The 2000 New Beetle inherits this collective memory, like a modern echo of a legend of popular cinema.
In the world of model cars, the Coccinelle occupies a special place. It brings together collectors from all backgrounds, whether they are interested in the original models of the 1950s or more recent versions. This New Beetle in 1/43 scale naturally fits alongside other representations of the brand, notably in the Volkswagen collection, which features the original Coccinelle and other iconic models.
To expand your collection, you can explore the Auto Plus range, which offers a variety of models in 1/43 scale. Scale enthusiasts will also find what they are looking for in the 1/43 selection, ideal for presenting coherent and harmonious displays. For a contrast of eras, the 2000s collection brings together contemporary models of the New Beetle.
This miniature is aimed at collectors of popular cars, lovers of iconic designs and enthusiasts who enjoy linking automotive history with a cultural dimension. It will also appeal to those who wish to give a piece that is both elegant and rich in memories, especially for fans of the modern 2000 to today series or the new arrivals selection.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.