The Volkswagen Type 1, commonly known as the Beetle, is a compact car that was first produced in 1938. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche at the request of Adolf Hitler, its goal was to create an affordable vehicle for the masses. The Beetle features a distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout, which contributed to its unique driving experience. Over the decades, the Volkswagen Type 1 became an iconic symbol of the 1960s counterculture and is celebrated for its reliability and simplicity. Production continued until 2003, making it one of the longest-running car models in history, with over 21 million units sold worldwide.