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The Volkswagen Beetle Owners Club has made arrangements to celebrate ‘World Volkswagen Day’ on Sunday 21 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. This year too, the Mount Lavinia Hotel and the Taj Samudra have graciously come forward to partner this event as in the past years and the numbers continue to grow with many VW owners joining this annual event.
Rather co-incidentally, the first VW Beetle also found its roots 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 and it is a great tribute to note of the Grand Finale that will be held at the ‘historic’ Mount Lavinia Hotel on Sunday 21 June.
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-rivalled reliability, economy and more than all, the light steering and responsive handling that won the hearts of over 3,500 owners within a short span of seven years from 1953 right up to the restriction era of 1960.
Looking back at the year 1953, many social changes did take place in our island nation having gained independent status and it is also with much pride that we state of the many great personalities who championed this change were proud owners of a VW Beetle.
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, VWs of all ages and colours are expected to participate in this year’s celebrations as well. On this special occasion the club recognises senior personalities who have brought fame towards the VW Beetle in Lanka and it is with great pleasure that the club wishes to honour a fine gentleman by the name of Gordon Gunasekara who made his dream come true by driving a VW Kombi Van from Ceylon to the UK way back in 1973, at this year’s celebration.
The Ambassador for Germany is expected to grace the occasion as in the past year and this event is certainly not to be missed by any person who goes ‘gaga’ on ‘Beetlemania’. The event will resume on Sunday morning on 21 June at the North Lawn of the Taj Samudra and will have the ‘Grand Finale’ at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. The Mount Lavinia Hotel has made arrangements to have a mini carnival with a touch of German and Sri Lankan hospitality put together and welcomes the general public to visit the event as well. All VW owners who are interested in participating in this unique event are requested to contact the Club Secretary Nalin Perera on mobile no: 0773142236.
