5 Wild VW Designs That Almost Replaced the Legendary Beetle

Volkswagen has experimented with various designs over the years to find a worthy successor to the iconic Beetle. Here are five remarkable concepts that almost became the next “people’s car”:

EA41 (1952) – The Pininfarina Collaboration

An early attempt to modernize the Beetle with help from the Italian design house Pininfarina. EA41 was essentially a Beetle with a new body but never reached production.

EA97 (1957) – The Forgotten Prototype

The EA97 was a larger car than the Beetle but retained the rear-mounted engine. About 200 units were produced, and the design later inspired the Brazilian Volkswagen Brasília.

EA158 (1962) – Pininfarina Returns

Another collaboration with Pininfarina, EA158 grew in size and weight during development. Although it didn’t become the Beetle’s successor, it laid the groundwork for the Volkswagen Type 4.

EA276 (1968) – The Precursor to the Golf

The EA276 was a compact hatchback with front-wheel drive and a front-mounted, air-cooled engine. Although the project was shelved after Heinz Nordhoff’s death, it would later go on to inspire the Brazilian Volkswagen Gol.

EA266 (1968) – Porsche’s Mid-Engine Dream

Developed in collaboration with Porsche, the EA266 featured an unusual mid-engine layout positioned beneath the rear seat. However, the project was ultimately scrapped by Rudolf Leiding, who deemed it too complex and costly.

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