Authentic “Herbie the Love Bug” resurfaces to capture hearts – and $126,500 – at Barrett-Jackson

Herbie, the loveable Love Bug, has captured the hearts of millions — adults and children alike — with his charismatic independence and charm, not to mention cute face. Herbie’s legend continued on April 18 when the car rolled across the Barrett-Jackson auction block at West Palm Beach, Fla., and sold for a record-breaking $126,500 — a new high for a Volkswagen Beetle.

The authentic Herbie car from Walt Disney’s series of movies was last used in “Herbie Goes Bananas.” It is also known as the “oil-squirting car” that soiled a police officer’s foot in “Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo.” The Barrett-Jackson sale included full documentation: a copy of the 1972 title with “Walt Disney Productions” listed as the owner, along with owner history and photos of the car before it was restored to look as it did in “Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo.” Several Herbie cars were not drivable and were used only in specific shots, but this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Sunroof Sedan – with a running 1,835cc engine – rolled into the hands of its proud new owner, world-renowned car collector John Staluppi.