The lovable little racing car with a mind of his own has been a beloved character in Disney film history for more than half a century. First featured in the 1968 action comedy, The Love Bug, Herbie soon became an icon of popular culture. With his signature racing stripes, quirky personality and undeniable courage, Herbie captured the hearts of audiences all over the world.
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Behind the whimsical exterior lies a fascinating story, from his original design to the secrets behind the amazing racing stunts.
How many Herbie films are there?
There are five Herbie films in total, starting with the 1968 release of The Love Bug, introducing the sentient racing car and his nervous driver, Jim Douglas. Sequel, Herbie Rides Again, came out in 1974. Then, in 1977, the car returned to competitive racing in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo, followed by an international adventure, Herbie Goes Bananas, in 1980.
Disney revived the franchise with Herbie: Fully Loaded in 2005, starring Lindsay Lohan as the car’s new owner and introducing him to a younger generation of fans.
1. What car is Herbie?
In all of the films, Herbie has always been a Volkswagen Beetle, so it’s hard to imagine him as anything else. However, the filmmakers considered several different makes and models for the role including Fiat, Toyota, Volvo, TVR, MG and Mini. Eventually, the Beetle was selected after a “casting call” when the car’s natural character stood out.
Legend has it the director noticed crew members reacted differently to the Beetle and wanted to spontaneously pat it! This display of affection helped their decision to cast the VW Beetle in the title role.
2. How did they come up with Herbie?
The name “Herbie” reportedly came from a comedy performance by actor Buddy Hackett, who played Douglas’s friend, Tennessee Steinmetz, in the first film. During his stand-up routine in Las Vegas in the 1950s, Hackett described a ski instructor named Herbie, delivering the name in such a strange and humorous way that members of the production team remembered it a decade later. They decided Herbie was a relatable name for the car’s personality. From that moment onwards, the Beetle was a “Herbie” in popular culture.
3. There wasn’t just one VW Beetle
Although depicted as a single unique car, in each film, multiple Beetles were used, each tailored for specific types of scenes. These included one kitted out for close-up interior shots, another for stunts and others modified for various special effects, such as autonomous movement.
In fact, some Herbie films used more than 20 cars, with a number having reinforced frames to make daring jumps, and others constructed with hydraulic systems to create the illusion of personality and movement.
4. Most Expensive Herbie
Over the years, some of the vehicles used for the films have fetched massive amounts at auctions. The most expensive ever sold was one of the cars used in Herbie: Fully Loaded and driven by Lohan. Renowned for its pristine condition and verified as having appeared in the film, it sold for around £92,000 in 2016. Its value was particularly high as a result of the growing nostalgia associated with the Beetle. Today, old Herbie cars remain prized collectors’ cars worth much more than their original value.
5. Volkswagen with a Porsche engine
Not all Herbie vehicles were standard Volkswagens, as various bespoke changes were needed to keep up with the fast paced demands of the film’s racing scenes. Several of the stunt cars had upgraded engines, including powerful Porsche powertrains, allowing the little car to perform the required high-speed manoeuvres.
A standard Beetle engine ranged from 1.1 litres to 1.6 litres and couldn’t possibly achieve the speed and power needed for the races. The inclusion of Porsche engines ensured that Herbie could hold his own against real racing cars, making his victories seem more plausible.
6. Why was a pure white Beetle not used?
Although often described as a white Beetle, the car was actually painted in a shade known as “pearl white”. The subtle difference came about because a pure white car could create a problematic glare on camera, especially under studio lighting. The pearl shade had a slightly off-white tinge and reflective qualities, providing a warmer and more visually appealing look on the big screen.
7. What was Herbie’s number and the mystery behind it?
Herbie’s famous racing number was 53 – it became one of the most recognisable elements of his design. The number wasn’t chosen randomly; apparently, it was picked in honour of Don Drysdale, famous pitcher for baseball team the Los Angeles Dodgers, who wore number 53 on his shirt during the 1950s and 1960s. Screenwriter Bill Walsh was a big Dodgers’ fan and put the number on Herbie’s livery as a personal tribute.
8. Real race drivers were among the cast
To make the racing scenes more authentic, the filmmakers didn’t rely solely on actors and stunt doubles. Instead, genuine professional racing drivers were hired for many of the action packed scenes. They brought not only their expert driving skills to the table, but also insider knowledge about racing culture, track dynamics and car handling. Their presence made the films’ racing sequences more believable. Even though the plot was fanciful, the racing action was accurate and thrilling.
9. Story of Herbie’s licence plate
In most of the original films, Herbie’s California licence plate was “OFP 857”. Although it appeared random and was never explained at the time, it has been suggested it was chosen by the production team because the “OFP” stood for “our first production”. This reportedly referenced producer Robert Stevenson’s early work with Disney Studios, adding another personalised element to the car.
10. Herbie’s Legacy
In the 57 years since The Love Bug was released, Herbie has become a symbol of courage, charm and perseverance. As well as the five feature films, a Walt Disney television sitcom called Herbie the Love Bug was screened on American channel CBS in 1982. It ran for five episodes and starred Dean Jones – the actor who had played Douglas in the films.
The little car’s ageless appeal has continued into the 21st century, with audiences still feeling a connection to the character, as he has become far more than just a machine. From his creators to the directors, designers, actors and stunt drivers, everyone who made Herbie into a character with human traits has evoked a genuine emotional connection for the public.
