It could easily be argued that the Volkswagen Beetle (officially designated the Type 1) is the most popular and most recognizable car ever produced. Like the Ford Model T before it, the Volkswagen put a nation (and the world) on wheels thanks to its low cost and elegant mechanical simplicity. Despite its somewhat dubious roots within the Third Reich, the VW Beetle proved immensely popular in the post war years, particularly in a recovering Europe. In the US market, this funny little rear-engine car took some time to catch on, but once it did, it became immersed in popular culture, particularly through the 1960s. Many great mechanics and race car builders got their start tinkering with Beetles thanks to their simplicity, ease of service and surprising potential. A staggering 21.5 million examples were built between 1938 and 2003, becoming the longest running, highest selling, single-platform vehicle in history. From the first car to the last, changes were made not for the sake of change but always with the purpose of improvement and refinement.