Lynn Anderson, a vintage clothing collector from Clinton Township, Mich., with her Herbie the Love Bug, a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle decked out as the Disney character from the move ‘The Love Bug,’ circa 1969. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  Though Ms. Anderson lives in Michigan, her front plate is a California badge—because Herbie was from California in the films. Six of these movies were made, plus a TV series. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  Ms. Anderson wearing Love Bug livery on a sweater. She often asks kids if they like Lightning McQueen from the movie ‘Cars.’ ‘Herbie the Love Bug is like the Lightning McQueen of my generation,’ she says. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  A close-up of the car’s engine, which was of course located in the back of the car, being a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  Ms. Anderson’s cat doesn’t love car rides. So she keeps a picture of the kitty, named Tiger, in the window. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  According to some Herbie theorists, the car’s racing number, 53, comes from Don Drysdale’s uniform—a great Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher from the 1960s. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  Another view of Ms. Anderson’s Herbie, in all-American red, white, and blue. The car is one of many replica Herbies. Owners around the country register their Herbies on the site LoveBugFans.com. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  The Love Bug’s interior shows the simplicity of the 1965 VW Beetle, a car that paved the way for all foreign cars in America. The fuzzy dice are Ms. Anderson’s extra special touch. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  The car has no power steering, and no automatic transmission. It’s manual, all the way. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  The classic Herbie logo is in the shape of a VW Beetle. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  Ms. Anderson contacted Volkswagen asking for information. She learned that her Beetle came off the assembly line on February 27, 1965. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  A tiny replica of Herbie exemplifies the passion that Ms. Anderson and others have for this iconic movie car. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  Herbie under a big sky. This time of year, in Michigan, he gets put away for the winter. Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  ‘When I drive him, I’m not going fast,’ says Ms. Anderson of this 50-year old car. ‘But I’m going in style.’ Jason Keen for The Wall Street Journal …  The ‘Love Bug’ Rides Yet Again
Herbie from the “Love Bug” films has a loyal following. Some fans go to the extreme with the classic VW Beetle.