Herbie And The Beast

Did you ever wonder what would happen if you mated a 1972 VW Type 2 Kombi Bus to a 1983 Chevy Blazer 4 X 4? Well that's what we did in Clermont, Florida (US) so that we would have the perfect tow package for our 1965 Herbie "The Love Bug" replica.

The Bus sits on a S-10 Blazer chassis which was shortened 6 inches with the 4.3L V6 engine mounted mid section just behind the front seats. A turbo 3 speed transmission is coupled to the stock rear end which makes for good highway driving. The interior is nicely done in a dark gray and has 4 high backed reclining bucket seats for comfort. It also has custom dual AC units (the conventional plus a DC unit on top) to keep the passengers nice and cool during the hot Florida summer months, custom stereo, AC electrical power and dual 17 inch LCD monitors for watching our favourite DVD's, etc.. It's painted "Cool Vanilla" and still has the original aluminium 5 spoke 4 X 4 rims. In order to keep the engine cool we finally had to locate the radiator in front of the bus but have disguised it as a piece of luggage complete with world travel stickers while parked at shows.

And as far as Herbie goes, we built it for our disabled son who just loves to show him off at car shows across the US (www.stephensherbie.com) and to participate in special events, etc. The car is very special in that it is the only one that we know of that is fully controlled by an onboard computer that not only lets him open and close his own hood and doors, but also operates all his lights, window wipers/washer, pneumatic shocks, horn, eyes and eyelids as well as synchronizing him with a pair of fully animated bears and a dog that tell you the complete story of how ole Herb was found and restored.

Walt Disney has actually bought the rights for using the car to help promote the re-release of the "Love Bug" on DVD now seen around the world and the car has been autographed by most of the original stars from the first four movies, something no other car in the world will ever have (includes both Buddy Hackett and Don Knott's).

All in all, the pair create quite a show while going down the highway and brings smiles to faces around the world...

P. S. Both vehicles when originally purchased were destined for the salvage yard being ate-up with rust. But now they have both been saved and should be around for many, many more years to come.

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