Unfortunately, we have to make ourselves unpopular with the fans of the Hebmüller convertible, who admire not only the beautiful backs of women, but also those of this 2+2 seater. As an inexperienced car technician, you would say that here is tried to produce with as many original parts as possible. So the front bonnet was used twice.

It is astonishing how, shortly after taking office in 1948, Director Nordhoff contacted the Hebmüller company, which had been in business since 1889, to have a convertible version of the Beetle made. The supposed comfort of the bonnet was deceptive, as the bodywork had been heavily modified except for the front end. After all, they had a reputation to lose since the carriage days.

Allegedly, VW subjected the prototypes to very strict tests, but even after 10,000 agonising kilometres, they did not manage to dismantle the car. After all, Hebmüller had not only massively reinforced the frame of the windscreen, but also the floor panel at the edge, and additionally transversely in the area of the B-pillars and rear emergency seats.

VW had actually ordered 2,000 vehicles, but a devastating fire in the summer of 1949 dashed those hopes. Despite the fact that production was resumed after four weeks, only 700 units were produced. The production of a then significantly modified convertible was finally awarded to Karmann.

Compared to the Beetle, which was initially available practically only as a standard version, the Hebmüller Cabrio also provided a certain luxury inside. At DM 7,500, it cost about DM 2,500 more. Today it has rarity status and the prices even for reproductions are going through the roof. Not bad for a vehicle that can barely reach 100 km/h and for which there is not even the slightest mention of a heating system that is usually particularly very efficient in convertibles.

The bankruptcy of the Hebmüller company with about 700 employees in 1952 perhaps allows the conclusion that the car could not be produced profitably at the initially envisaged and later even significantly lowered price, presumably unlike the Karmann convertible with a non-retractable top. Incidentally, the quality of the respective is beyond all doubt.