TheSamba.com :: View topic - VW Bug From the Original Footloose Movie maybe found?

Tue Sep 24, 2013 11:54 am

I have a VW bug that I bought and was breaking up to use the chassis for another project. I sold the body, but kept the chassis, running gear and title for my project. Sold the body to another VW guy who had his body stolen so nothing would get wasted.

He did a little research and claims that this bug is the bug from Footloose, the 1984 original with Kevin Bacon. He researched the title and the previous owner was Paramount Studios.

The questions is... what might this thing be worth put back together in approximately "footloose" condition? I have to decide whether or not to abandon my project and undo the body separation and enter into a partnership to sell the car. Is it worth messing with?

Tue Sep 24, 2013 11:58 am

Not knowing the condition of the car, or if it's worth anything to collectors, any answer would be a guess. There's no upper limit to the amount of money you can spend restoring a car, and "Footloose" wasn't exactly a classic, but it might be entertaining to have the car back together.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 12:09 pm

The car was running and driving when I bought it and then got hit in the left front fender. Body has a little bit of rust but the drivetrain is good as are the pans and running gear. The body has already been dipped so basically painted and reassembled.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 12:13 pm

got this 78 two weeks ago for my wife. was used in a 2011 movie called dylan dog. I don't think being in a movie adds to the value, but knowing it's history (whether it was well taken care of) is value to me.

http://deadofnightmovie.wordpress.com/tag/volkswagen-beetle/

Tue Sep 24, 2013 12:14 pm

I am a big fan of the movie and maybe it has something to do with why I love VW's.....maybe.

I even have a movie poster from the remake up in my office at home. What more could you ask for? Teenage angst, rebellion and of course dancing!

But I would love to see it kept together and back to looking like it did in the movie.....P.A. stereo speaker and all!

Too bad it couldn't have been around at the time of the remake....could've possibly raked it in.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 12:29 pm

pow_rider17 wrote: I am a big fan of the movie and maybe it has something to do with why I love VW's.....maybe.

I even have a movie poster from the remake up in my office at home. What more could you ask for? Teenage angst, rebellion and of course dancing!

But I would love to see it kept together and back to looking like it did in the movie.....P.A. stereo speaker and all!

Too bad it couldn't have been around at the time of the remake....could've possibly raked it in.

In it's own little way I reckon Footloose could become one of those movies that get's remade a few times, and I reckon it has a bit of a following for the right people for the very reasons pow_rider17 outlined. Why not advertise it as is to be restored warts and all and see what the interest is then talk with the owner of the other half?

Tue Sep 24, 2013 1:39 pm

Anytime a movie is re-made, the original had to have been successful enough, financially (in other words it was a popular movie), to warrant re-doing the movie with more contemporary actors. "Footloose" may not have been up there with "Gone With the Wind", but it was a cool movie for the times.

If a car has a history--a story (especially since old VW's are purchased by many for their historical or nostalgic aura) then that car is more than just a "car".

A stretch here:

I can buy a baseball for pretty cheap. But if it's signed by Babe Ruth, it's more than just a baseball. It's a VERY expensive artifact.

Now I would never suggest that the Footloose Bug, rates up there with a Babe Ruth autographed baseball, but to some who grew up in the 1980's and lived in one of those repressive little middle-of-the-country towns, the movie "Footloose" may have meant more to them than to some girl in New York City, for instance. And some girl who had a crush on Kevin Bacon back then, might like to have that car--and the story that goes with it.

My daughter--who was not even born before the movie came out--still thinks Kevin Bacon is one fine dude and has watched the original "Footloose" a number of times. We still own it on VHS, in fact.

So, I believe there are people who would pay more for a car used in a favorite movie.

Besides, restoring any bug that's restorable is a good thing. Why not one that has a story?

Tim

Tue Sep 24, 2013 2:29 pm

karguy12 wrote: He did a little research and claims that this bug is the bug from Footloose, the 1984 original with Kevin Bacon. He researched the title and the previous owner was Paramount Studios.

Sorry to come off all skeptical but does he have it in paper that it really was that actual car or is it just assumed because it was once owned by Paramount?

Just you see this sort of thing a lot, people think with some history real or not they are sitting on a gold mine...
Some guy here in Aus was selling his 72 Super as being the one used in the new beetle commercial from 2001 even though the car in the ad was a mid 60s 1300 :roll:

THe bug from footloose was a special edition model wasn't it?

Tue Sep 24, 2013 2:43 pm

Unless you have certified documentation that the car was in fact used in the move, then all you have is a bullshit story. Without proof you just have another Bug.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 3:57 pm

karguy12 wrote: He did a little research and claims that this bug is the bug from Footloose, the 1984 original with Kevin Bacon. He researched the title and the previous owner was Paramount Studios.
Do you have this on paper from the DMV?

The first question is, what year is the car? Then what colour is it.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 4:30 pm

Its funny how tastes differ. I feel that the original footloose movie is one of the top 10 worst movies ever made.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 4:32 pm

Every Bug is 6 degrees from a Kevin Bacon movie :lol:

Tue Sep 24, 2013 5:23 pm

The bug is yellow and of course the correct color inside and out. There is supposedly a VIN# connection that he has not provided me with the documentation yet. Yes, the title search confirms Paramount. I am awaiting confirmation and documentation so I can verify it myself. Otherwise I am just going to proceed with my project.

I just watched the movie. It's not any type of special addition. Looks like my car with a few subtle differences on minor things..

Tue Sep 24, 2013 5:50 pm

Quote: Looks like my car with a few subtle differences on minor things..

... Perhaps only smaller?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Wheels-2013-Retro-Ente...6183695%26 :)

I would love to have such a great history to my beetle! Post some photos please!

Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:28 pm

I thought the Footloose Beetle was a formula Vee edition. A quick search and I found this. Can anyone confirm?

http://www.sebeetles.com/f_vee.htm

Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:37 pm

Quote: I thought the Footloose Beetle was a formula Vee edition. A quick search and I found this. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks for the link. Great read.

The Footloose VW doesn't seem to have any of the exterior accessories( hood scoop, alloy wheels, and fanfare horn) that would suggest Formula Vee.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:45 pm

jdub63 wrote: Every Bug is 6 degrees from a Kevin Bacon movie :lol:

I just spewed pork chops all over my keyboard thanks for that :P

Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:47 pm

If I recall there is a scene where Kevin Bacon puts in a tape, that would show the dash compared to the one on the link.

I don't have the movie, maybe someone could check it out.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:47 pm

It also didn't have the FV steering wheel but did have the wood glove box door. The stripe on the 1984 movie was also not a true FV stripe. Apparently they did use the Formulae Vee look for the 2011 movie.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 8:22 pm

Maybe this will help... taken from another site...