100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ

Overnight NZ-wide Delivery ๐Ÿš€ Thank you for supporting our 100% NZ-owned store โค๏ธ

The Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens

Beetles, Microbuses, Things, Karmann Ghias, and More
4.52 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 29 ratings, 5 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens by John Gunnell is a comprehensive guide that explores the rich history and development of Volkswagen vehicles. It covers iconic models and their evolution, featuring detailed information and stunning visuals. This book is a treasure trove for car enthusiasts, showcasing the classic insignia that defined Volkswagen's legacy.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$10500
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're passionate about vintage cars and curious about the history and design of iconic Volkswagen models. It's a delightful journey into the evolution of these classic vehicles, featuring detailed descriptions and vibrant illustrations that capture their unique charm. Whether you're an enthusiast or simply love exploring automotive heritage, this book offers a fascinating insight into the beloved world of Volkswagens.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

See the entire chronology of air-cooled Volkswagen vehicles in this beautifully illustrated overview of one of the oldest and best-known foreign car brands in America.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens by John Gunnell delves into the iconic world of Volkswagen Beetles and their variations, renowned for being some of the most recognisable cars on the road. The classic air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle, officially known as the Volkswagen Type 1, stands as one of the twentieth century's most significant and well-engineered vehicles.

In the 1960s, it became the most popular imported car in America, yet it began as "the people's car" in Germany. This book covers the evolution of the Beetle and other variations of Volkswagen's air-cooled vehicles, including cars, vans, and trucks. Thoroughly illustrated, it serves as an invaluable reference to Volkswagen's collectible and iconic cars.

The history of VW automobiles is as vibrant as the colours they were produced in, with this book illustrating the full story. German automakers initially aimed to provide their countrymen with a vehicle that was easy to mass-produce. By 1938, they finalised the design of the VW "Bug," marking history as the first rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive configured car. At its peak, the charming rounded Beetle was produced at a rate of over one million per year.

Today, with more than 23 million cars built, the Beetle holds the record as the most-produced passenger car of all time. Yet, the Beetle is just one chapter in the air-cooled Volkswagen story. The broader narrative includes the Type 2 vans, pick-ups, campers, and the Type 113 "Super Beetle," all detailed within this volume.

Whether you are a Volkswagen owner or simply an enthusiast of their iconic design, if you're intrigued by their evolution, The Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens is a must-have on your bookshelf.

Series: Complete Book Series

View all
  • The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles
    The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles offers a thorough year-by-year guide to every production machine ever built by Germany's leading motorcycle manufacturer. From the first model, the 1923 R32 that launched BMW's motorcycle dynasty, to the latest (and fastest) superbike, the S1000RR, this book captures nearly a century of motorcycling excellence in a combination of historic and contemporary photos. Technical...
    Hardback
    $10500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Complete Book of Chevrolet Camaro, Revised and Updated 3rd Edition
    Get to know every model of Camaro since 1967 in stunning detail through original and GM archival photography, insider interviews, and technical specifications. Officially licensed with General Motors, The Complete Book of Chevrolet Camaro, Revised and Updated 3rd Edition covers the full story of America's premier performance car, from the original concept car (code-named Panther) to the latest and greatest...
    Hardback
    $11500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens
    The Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens by John Gunnell delves into the iconic world of Volkswagen Beetles and their variations, renowned for being some of the most recognisable cars on the road. The classic air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle, officially known as the Volkswagen Type 1, stands as one of the twentieth century's most significant and well-engineered vehicles. In the 1960s, it...
    Hardback
    $10500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Complete Book of Corvette 5th Edition
    In this Chevrolet-official reference, relive the evolution of America's legendary sports car, year by year, through stunning photography, technical specs, and engaging commentary. Revealing a legacy of speed and innovation over more than seventy years of continuous production, the Corvette has evolved from its 1953 sporty-car debut to today's world-class supercar. Its fascinating development story and stellar competition record across...
    Hardback
    $11500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Complete Book of Porsche 911 4th Edition
    Get the complete, up-to-date story of Porsche's most important model, year by year, with behind-the-scenes insights and over 500 stunning images. For more than six decades, Porsche's ever-evolving 911 has served as the company's ultimate expression of Ferdinand Porsche's sports-car vision. Its unique form defines excellence in automotive design and engineering while providing an unrivalled driving experience. In The Complete...
    Hardback
    $11500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles, 3rd Edition
    In this stunningly illustrated volume, get a detailed year-by-year overview of every production machine ever built by Germany's top motorcycle manufacturer.BMW launched its motorcycle dynasty in 1923 with the R32. From that first model to today's stunning M 1000 RR superbike, this book covers over 100 years of motorcycling excellence. Ian Falloon's detailed text is accompanied by historic photos from...
    Hardback
    $11500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Complete Book of Jaguar
    Take an exhilarating ride through Jaguar production history, from the original SS to the I-PACE EV, with narratives, photos, and spec tables for each. In 1935, a pair of motorcycle enthusiasts in Coventry, Englandโ€”William Lyons and William Walmsleyโ€”established a firm called the Swallow Sidecar Company. Soon, they pivoted to automobiles, launching a sporting saloon (i.e., sedan) called the Jaguar SS....
    Hardback
    $11500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Complete Book of Classic John Deere Tractors
    The Complete Book of Classic John Deere Tractors features descriptions, photography, and spec charts for farm legends, including the kerosene-powered 1918 Waterloo Boy, classic two-cylinder models, and the redesigned New Generation and New Generation II lines. Part of Motorbooks' Complete Book series, this fact-packed volume takes you through dozens of John Deere farm models, beginning with the 1892 Waterloo Boy...
    Hardback
    $8999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Complete Book of Ford Mustang, Fifth Edition
    Pre-order
    The Complete Book of Ford Mustang, Fifth Edition
    Take a joy ride through 60+ years of America's most iconic pony car, model by model, with this officially licensed and lavishly illustrated reference. According to many, Mustang is the only vehicle that actually deserves the title "pony car." Updated through the model year 2026, The Complete Book of Ford Mustang, Fifth Edition collects the rich and varied history of...
    Hardback
    $11500
    Pre-order
    Out 4 Aug 2026
  • The Complete Book of Jaguar
    In 1935, when a small company in Coventry, England, launched a sporting saloon (i.e., sedan) called the Jaguar SS, it set in motion an inexorable process that would lead to Britain's most beloved line of high-performance automobiles. The Complete Book of Jaguar covers the SS and all of the Jaguar's subsequent production models, from the original SS Jaguar to today's...
    Hardback
    Sold Out
  • The Complete Book of Ford Mustang
    This lavishly illustrated, officially licensed reference work walks you through Mustang's nearly 60 years of continuous productionโ€”a rich and varied history nearly unmatched in the automotive world. Ford's Mustang is America's most iconic pony car. According to many, it is the only vehicle that really deserves the title "pony car." From the first six-cylinder Mustang of 1964-1/2 through fire-breathing, world-beating...
    Hardback
    Sold Out
  • The Complete Book of Corvette
    The Complete Book of Corvette covers every production model and every year of Chevrolet's legendary performance car. Every Z06 and ZR-1, racers, prototypes, and Indy pace carsโ€”they're all here, including the stunning mid-engine 2020 Corvette Stingray. Every model year is presented with insightful text, technical specifications, and beautiful photography culled from the author's own images and GM's photographic archives. With...
    Hardback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens by John Gunnell is praised as an engaging read for both dedicated enthusiasts and newcomers to the topic of Volkswagens. It is full of detailed information and photos, making it a comprehensive reference for VW fans. The book also delves into the fascinating history of how Volkswagens, like the Beetles and Buses, gained popularity, appealing to those interested in the enduring charm of these iconic cars.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780760349878

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 22 June 2017

Country: United States

Imprint: Motorbooks

Illustration: 300 color & 200 b-w photos

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 248.0mm

Height: 305.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 272

About the Author

John Gunnell has more than 40 years of experience in the classic car industry. He is a prolific writer, having authored 85 books about cars, trucks, and motorcycles. His titles include Illustrated Firebird Buyer's Guide, Illustrated Chevrolet Buyer's Guide, How to Restore Automotive Trim and Hardware, and many more. He is the former editor and publisher of Old Cars Weekly, and continues to contribute to that publication's blog. In January 2010, Gunnell added a classic car restoration and gift shop to his portfolio when he opened Gunner's Great Garage in Manawa, Wisconsin.

More from Travel & Adventure

View all
  • The Salt Path
    The bestselling true story of the couple who lost everything and embarked on a journey not of escape but salvation, soon to be a major motion picture starring Golden Globe winning Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Maintenance: Of Everything
    The first in-depth exploration of maintenance and a powerful argument for its civilisational importance from the author of How Buildings Learn and creator of the Whole Earth Catalog. Maintenance is what keeps everything going. It's what keeps life going. Yet it's also easy to shirk or defer until the thing breaks, the system falters, and everything stops. The apparent paradox...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Cat's Tales
    Once upon a time, the enchanting creature that is the cat infiltrated our lives โ€“ and our folklore. Cats have a long association with the supernatural โ€“ from being worshipped as gods in ancient Egypt to vilified as witchesโ€™ familiars in Europe โ€“ and they appear in countless fairy tales throughout history. Every part of the world has its own...
    Hardback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Penguin Lessons
    Now a major film, this is the true story of an unlikely friendship between a flightless bird and a teacher out of his depth. When schoolteacher Tom Michell pulls a penguin from an oil slick off the coast of Uruguay, he has no idea what to do. Back at his apartment, Tom cleans him, but upon returning to the beach,...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Rambling Man
    THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING HILARIOUS NEW BOOK FROM THE NATION'S FAVOURITE COMEDIAN, BILLY CONNOLLY "Being a Rambling Man was what I always wanted to be, to live the way I damn well pleased. I've met the weirdest and most wonderful people who walk the Earth, seen the most bizarre and the most fantastic sights - and I've rarely come across...
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    22% off
    Lonely Planet Pocket Lisbon
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Lisbon is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life - neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Experience the city's most scenic tram routes, find the best pastรฉis de nata and discover the winding backstreets of Alfama; all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Lisbon and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Cozy Bookshops: Colouring Book
    Cozy Bookshopsโ€”your ultimate escape into a world of bookish bliss and mindful relaxation in 46 adorable scenes, from the coziest book nooks. Wander labyrinthine bookshelves, sink into soft armchairs by roaring fireplaces, and lose yourself in snug, atmospheric corners. Escape, relax, and unwind with this colouring book for all skill levels and bring your own personality. The possibilities are endless!...
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    22% off
    Lonely Planet Pocket Porto
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Porto is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Experience the historic Se cathedral, marvel at the stunning Palacio da Bolsa, and visit peacocks in Jardim do Palacio de Cristal, all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Porto and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Auto Biography
    From one of the world's most popular motor journalists, a highly entertaining, clued-up and panoramic guide to cars. A highly entertaining, clued-up and panoramic guide to cars by Mat Watson, the world's most followed car journalist on social media. Mat Watson knows everything there is to know about cars. In his 25-year career as a motor journalist, he has driven...
    Hardback
    $4600
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Brilliant Maps
    With a foreword by Tim Harford Which nations have North Korean embassies? Which region has the highest number of death metal bands per capita? How many countries have bigger economies than California? Who drives on the 'wrong' side of the road? And where can you find lions in the wild? Revelatory, thought-provoking and fun, Brilliant Maps is a unique atlas...
    Paperback
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    27% off
    Lonely Planet Norway
    Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Norway. Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from watching walruses lolling and hunting in Borebukta to hiking in the remote causeway of Ekkerรธy in Finnmark, and road tripping along the Lofoten Islands to admire villages replete with traditional fishing...
    Paperback
    $2900
    Usually:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • London: The Hidden Corners For Curious Wanderers
    From the alleyways of Soho to the medieval remains of Moorgate, the new book by Sunday Times bestselling author Jack Chesher takes you on a journey through London and its history, showing you its hidden corners. Explore the fascinating history of the city with the creator of the ever-popular @LivingLondonHistory. Have you ever wondered where a notorious Victorian murderer was...
    Hardback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.