The first car encouraged to accumulate the original collection

– Tell us how such an uncommon for a woman, and still a medic, a hobby – to collect car models? When did you start, why – cars and why exactly?

– At the age of eighteen I passed the car driving tests and started looking for my first car after my driver’s license. I wanted it to be exceptional, noticeable, non -standard and with character. While watching car ads, I saw red in 1999. VW Beetle, and I told myself it was a car I was looking for.

My first car melted me with a 12th grade last call from school, carrying me to lectures, practice work, and a few more residents for all six years of medical studies, until I passed a car full of nostalgia and memories to another woman. I had to move to a larger car due to family growth. However, with my first « beetle », which I have been riding for ten years, came the desire to collect VW Beetle and VW Samba car.

– You were interested in their story – when, where, why, why were they started, how much was made, how they changed, what were they special?

– Of course, I am still interested in so far. VW Beetle was one of the most iconic and buying cars in the world with an impressive story.

They were started in 1938. (Mass production after World War II – since 1945). Was created as a folk car that was supposed to be cheap at the time (average motorcycle prices) and carry four people. Had an air cooled engine at the back, was round shape, simple and durable.

VW Beetle was one of the most iconic and buying cars in the world with an impressive story.

Later, in 1997-2010, a retro -inspired model with modern technique (Golf IV) was developed. The engine is already ahead, the front -powered wheels. Since 2011 until 2019 Made by the next generation Beetle – sportier, wider, lower. 2019 The last version of Beetle Final Edition was released as a symbolic farewell.

More than 21 million people have been produced throughout the history of this car. VW Beetle cars. By the way, rumors are about a possible electric option for Beetle in the future if demand came out.

I remember when I released the first new -generation VW Beetle model in 2011, I saw it in Vilnius, a human anatomy exhibition, and a magazine about cars that I still keep among the cute little things for myself. At the time, it was my dream – ever to drive a new generation of VW Beetle. Unfortunately, their production continued until 2019. The Volkswagen then officially interrupted the production of all Beetle models. However, I still look at the ads and may be able to fulfill an old dream.

Photo by E. Ruibienė’s personal archive

– How many « beetle » models now do you have?

– Currently, the collection has 63 models.

– Where and on what paths do they come to you?

– Part of the models were purchased in Lithuania, the other part was brought from travel abroad, car museums, and are donated. I have models brought from Norway, Switzerland, Austria, United Kingdom, Spain, Latvia, Poland…

– Are there special exhibits of the collection?

– The most precious cars donated to me by a dear person I have kept and hold my dad all my life and unfortunately no longer among us. He brought me unique models from abroad, from ancient VW Beetle to modern, with transformations, playful applications, details.

– Do you have your beloved?

– They are all dear in their own way, restore memories, moments, so I could not distinguish any one. I would say the most special models you either find by accident or get from special people.

Photo by E. Ruibienė’s personal archive

– Who are your main helpers to fill in the collection? Friends, relatives, colleagues probably have no questions about what do you give to various occasions?

– I would say maybe I am a bigger initiator lately, but in the past, the collection has certainly been complemented by the closest people.

– Maybe your garage stands the original size VW Beetle?

– My dream is to drive VW Beetle again and return to pleasant memories. I believe it will become a reality.