It seems commonplace today, but Volkswagen was selling the fuel efficiency of its popular Beetle way back in 1962. A sales brochure of the era touted the fact that the Beetle got 32 miles per gallon, and other literature from Volkswagen noted that under professional driving conditions the car could get up to 50 miles per gallon. The reason for that mileage was the Beetle's efficient, air-cooled 1200cc four-cylinder engine, which generated 40 horsepower. The engine was mounted in the rear, Volkswagen said, so that its weight could provide traction to the rear wheels.

Interestingly enough, Volkswagen also promoted the roominess of the diminutive Bug, noting that the Beetle could not only comfortably carry a family of four, but also had room for luggage under the front hood and in a three-foot carpeted compartment behind the rear seat.

Other features of the 1962 Beetle included sun visors for the driver and passenger, coat hooks, assist straps, an automatic windshield washer, and an overhead light. A four-speed transmission, independent suspension, and telescopic shock absorbers were also part of the Beetle package.

One thing was insufficient, though: the heat. Rather than actually having a heater, the car channeled engine-heated air into the driver's compartment. This wasn't always enough.