The Volkswagen Deluxe Sedan was designed by Dr. F. Porsche in 1936 to provide transportation for the mass population. Production started in 1939 but it was not until 1945 that mass production started in earnest. The VW range was given the nickname "The Beetle" because of its shape and was produced continuously until the early 80's in different countries becoming the highest volume production in the world. The 1951 VW was powered with a 69 cu in. rear mounted air cooled engine developing 25 hp.