Originally posted by hazmat
Well from what I understand, it wasn't designed BY Hitler, but FOR Hitler, as a "car of the people", hence "Volkswagen". But I think what he wanted most was a car for his campaign, where it could go through the desert and not overheat. The engines were air-cooled, not water-cooled. Same all the way up to the Porsche 911's up until only a few years ago I think. Many hardcore enthusiasts screamed about how the water-cooled ones weren't real 911, etc. I might argue the same thing about the new Beetles. Cool as they are, they are front engined and water-cooled. Basically a funky looking Golf.
Someone please correct any misinformation here.