The ‘Love Series’ celebrated the 25th year of the Beetle (Fusca) in Brazil. These special models came in metallic blue – ‘Azul Copa’, bumpers in the same colour as the body with rubber inserts, 14 inch wheels, heated rear window, pop-out side windows, padded dashboard and steering wheel, exclusive upholstery and fully carpeted floor in gray tones. The engine was a new 1,600cc with twin carburetors, 57 hp and powered by sugar cane alcohol. Maximum speed was about 135 km/h.
Volkswagen do Brazil promoted the series as Série Especial, but it soon got the common name Série Love. Special stickers with a ‘Beetle-heart’ logotype with the slogan ‘Eu amo o Fusca’ (‘I Love Beetle’) were displayed on this models rear quarter panels and rear window. Total sold: 2,500 vehicles. VW of Brazil also promoted in 1984 an interesting contest called ‘Eu e o Fusca’ (‘The Beetle and Me’), rewarding with two brand new cars to the authors of the best texts of personal experience with the Beetle. The publicity of the contest illustrates very well the almost human relationship between the Beetle and Brazilian people in the 80’s.
Information courtesy Thelmo Frota and Nelia de Paula. Love Series brochure courtesy Peter Frost.