This car has stolen the hearts of many in the heart of Ethiopia. The quirky design and really reliable 1977 Volkswagen Beetle is not just a car but a favorite part of daily life in Addis Ababa, the capital city.

When, five years ago, Yared Agonafer, a gold and silver merchant from Addis Ababa wanted to buy a car, he didn’t hesitate:. He chose a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. Why? Firstly, the Beetle was inexpensive and reminded him of idyllic childhood days. “My father had a Beetle when I was a kid,” Yared recalls. “I used to ride in it to school and family parties. Driving this car brings back those memories. I love it.

First, the Beetle’s story began in the 1930s in Germany when Adolf Hitler wanted to create an affordable, reliable car for the masses. Later, after World War II, millions of Beetles were sold all over the world. At one point, this car became symbolic of the hippie movement. In 2000, it was record holder for the most vehicles sold, until it was bypassed by the Toyota Corolla.

In Ethiopia, Beetles hold a special place in history. They arrived during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. In 1974, communist soldiers overthrew him and drove him off in a Beetle. Today, the legendary cars can still be found throughout Addis Ababa, navigating cobblestone streets and bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Why are Beetles so popular in Ethiopia? One big reason for this is how car imports are prohibitively expensive. Import duties can go as high as 200%, and secondhand vehicles fetch a high price. Such is the case with the 25-year-old Toyota that costs around 1.3 million Ethiopian birr, roughly £9,200. A Beetle fetches some 250,000 birr (£1,750). Beetles are much more affordable but also durable and inexpensive to maintain. Their rigid frames and simplicity make them a reasonable option for many.

Yared Agonafer enjoys his Beetle for its quirkiness. “The clutch and steering wheel are stiff, which is good for your health. Driving this car feels like a workout,” he says. It also acts as a keepsake of sorts because it reminds him of his childhood.

Yet another Beetle enthusiast, Nigussie Desalegn, is a Volkswagen garage attendant in Addis Ababa. Indeed, his workshop is full of old Beetles, many of which are under restoration or used for parts. “Beetles are like living museums,” he says. “For a long time, they were the only cars people knew about in Ethiopia.”

For Esayas Gezaghe, a carpenter and metalworker, his Beetle is infinitely more than transportation. He hauls heavy loads of wood and steel, cinched tight to a wrought metal frame on the roof. “I started my business with this car 20 years ago,” Esayas says. “It’s part of my identity. I’ll never sell it.”

The Beetle’s appeal isn’t just restricted to older generations. Young professionals form part of the new wave drawn by its vintage charm. Abiy Nigussie, owner of a body shop that restores Beetles, is among them. He owns two Beetles; one is his father’s 1971 model, which he intends to restore. “This car has witnessed decades of family history,” Abiy says. “It’s been with us through so much.

Abiy belongs to an exclusive group called City Cruise, solely for Beetle owners. The members allow entry to the club only when one has Beetles restored to perfection. A majority of their members are young working professionals, including lawyers and architects, data analysts. They meet up once a month, sharing their passion for the car and driving around the city. “We used to see each other at the garage, so we decided to form a club,” said Emmanuel Alemayehu, a co-founder. “It is like family now. We help each other, and driving these beautiful cars is also fun.”

When the members of City Cruise drive through Addis Ababa, they are definitely talk of the town. Many passers-by stop and stare at the shiny Beetles, wave, shout out compliments, and take pictures. “People are thrilled when they see these cars,” he says. “There’s something special about them that makes people smile.”

The charm of the Beetle in Ethiopia goes beyond mere nostalgia: a beacon of reliability, economy class, and shared culture. These motley cars work their way into the weave of the national fabric that is Ethiopian life, treasured like precious family heirlooms or put to work.

So next time you see a Beetle cruising down the streets of Addis Ababa, remember: it is not just a car; it’s a piece of history, a sign of a bygone era, and a beloved part of the Ethiopian landscape.