Categories: This Day

March 13, 1969 – The Love Bug movie debuts

An original Herbie from the movie. By Vmanjr – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Love Bug movie made its official debut on this day in 1969. Starring a pearl white 1963 Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie, the movie follows the adventures of Jim Douglas (Dean Jones), a racing driver who can’t catch a break. When Jim finds himself in need of a new car he heads into town and is caught off guard by an attractive mechanic and sales associate, Carole Bennett (Michelle Lee), working inside a European auto showroom. 

There he also meets the showroom owner, Peter Thorndyke (David Tomlinson), who is rude to Herbie. After defending the car it winds up in Jim’s driveway the next morning, seemingly without the help of anyone. To prevent Thorndyke from pressing charges against him, Jim agrees to buy it. He soon discovers the car has a mind of its own. Herbie sets out to win the big race and help Jim land the lady. The movie took home $51,264,000 at the box office.

Drive History. Get it here.


Brian Corey

Recent Posts

November 15, 2020 – Lewis Hamilton wins 7th F1 Drivers’ Championship

Istanbul Park. By Adbar On November 15, 2020, Lewis Hamilton put in a masterclass performance…

2 days ago

November 14, 1996 – GM releases its EV1, first electric car

GM EV1. By Rick Rowen - CC BY-SA 2.0 On this day in 1996 General…

3 days ago

November 13, 1997 – Corvette, Mustang & Jeep designer Larry Shinoda dies

What qualities must one possess to build the legacy of three of the United States'…

4 days ago

November 12, 1908 – GM buys Oldsmobile

On this day in 1908 the newly formed General Motors snapped up another automotive Brand.…

5 days ago

November 11, 1926 – Maria Teresa de Filippis, first female F1 driver, is born

Born to a wealthy Italian family on November 11, 1926, Maria Teresa de Filippis grew…

6 days ago

November 10, 1885 – The first motorcycle rider

On this day in 1885, the first test ride of what is often considered the…

1 week ago