Pepsi commissioned in the Fall of 1996 over 200(?) 1969-1974 Beetles with graphics for a forthcoming 1997 promotion for Mug Root Beer. The cars were built by variously chosen restoration shops across the country and with varying levels of quality and were sent to nationwide promotional events. They were requested to be all painted in a PPG red metallic.
12 were featured and given away in an MTV Spring 1997 promotional video at an MTV Malibu Beach Party, where Mug Bugs featured.
Mug Root Beer was introduced in 1885 as Dr. Swett’s by the Belfast Beverage Co. of San Francisco California. By 1947, the name was changed to Belfast Root Beer. By 1955, the name was changed to Belfast Old Fashioned Mug Root Beer, and later to Mug Old Fashioned Root Beer. The product was acquired in 1986 by the Pepsi-Cola Company. – Logopedia.
Thanks to Ryan Schulz for the heads up on the car and some of the images. Some information from hotVWs September 1996.