[ad_1]
The Beetles also sported wooden ears and a foam tail, which was eventually switched to a wooden tail due to the impracticality and durability issues with foam. Within the hatch, a Nintendo 64 console and TV were housed, allowing enthusiasts to engage in Pokémon games. Additionally, a customized sound system was installed, incorporating a speaker on the vehicle’s exterior wired to a button inside the cabin, enabling the Pikabugs to “converse,” as Klich elucidates in a video concerning the cars’ history:
The current owner of the Pikabug in Wisconsin, Kerry, affirms to The Drive that this speaker system is still intact within her Pikabug, and that she frequently activated the button to the delight of spectators. Naturally, the vehicle attracted significant attention to its owner, which could also pose certain challenges. However, overall, Kerry expresses contentment in seeing the happiness it brought to numerous fans and all the individuals, both young and old, who encountered it.
She has possessed the car for several years but barely utilized it during her ownership. Consequently, the 170,000 miles currently displayed on the odometer were likely accrued as part of the promotional tour embarked upon by the Pikabugs in 1998. Kerry ended up owning the car after spotting it around the locality and promising her sons that she would acquire the bright yellow Beetle for them one day:
The game was adored by my two sons. Our eyes caught sight of the car cruising in Central Wisconsin. Initially, we assumed it was the work of a creative individual who had given their car a Pikachu makeover. Our assumption was that it belonged to someone passing through town, only to discover later that it belonged to a resident. I made a promise to my sons that I would purchase that car for them if I had the means. A visit to a mechanic led to an interesting discovery. Inside the shop, there was an abundance of VW Beetle memorabilia and several Beetles being worked on in the parking lot.
I inquired about the owner of the Pikachu-themed car and to my surprise, the mechanic had recently acquired it for his daughter, who would soon start driving. I expressed my interest in purchasing it if he ever considered selling. Over the course of a couple of years, during my frequent visits to his shop, I casually reminded him of my interest. Eventually, he revealed that his daughter found the car embarrassing and had put it up for sale in California for $10,000. Without hesitation, I expressed my desire to acquire it…
Indeed, she bought the car from her mechanic, but there was a hiccup: the Pikabug came equipped with a manual transmission! Although this fact added to its appeal for enthusiasts, she had yet to master driving a stick shift. She recounts:
Not adept at driving a manual, I was taken around the block by my mechanic, who exuded confidence in my abilities. Encouraged by his assurance, I managed to drive it home. The exterior showed signs of wear with rust patches, and the interior roof was peeling, yet I found charm in it and continued driving. Witnessing the joy it brought to children and adults alike, seeing their excitement upon encountering it […] Mastering the manual transmission proved to be both fun and manageable. I appreciated learning about the vehicle and driving experience alongside him.
During leisurely drives with windows down, unexpected exclamations of “Pikachu” from nearby individuals would startle me. Despite the initial shock, witnessing the delight it brought to many, even on highways, was rewarding. Passing vehicles would often align with us to capture videos or photos, although I preferred avoiding filming, I cherished the admiration it garnered.
Kerry, determined to master the manual transmission, embarked on the journey with the Pikabug, a commendable endeavor. She shares that her mechanic revealed receiving an offer of $50,000 for the iconic Beetle, recognized as one of the original Poké Patrol Beetles. Subsequently, another offer of $100,000 was presented, which she declined, opting to retain ownership. She mentions engaging with a Pokémon archivist featured in Kotaku, who assisted in authenticating the Beetle, confirming its status as Pikabug nine.
Having validated the authenticity of her car, Kerry sought the assistance of a Texas auction house, confident that Pikabug #9 could fetch $250,000. Unfortunately, during transit from Wisconsin to Texas, the Beetle suffered a broken tail and paint scratched on a door. To add to the setback, the auction house encountered difficulties starting it, leading to its return to Wisconsin. Kerry clarified that the issue was resolved effortlessly, involving a startup sequence unknown to the auction house.
Notably, the Pikabug has undergone modifications since its Poké Patrol days. The original engine has been replaced, but a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will be included with the sale. Although the current wheels complement the yellow hue, they seem to be from a later Beetle Turbo model rather than the ’98 base model. The Nintendo gaming setup in the hatch is absent, though the wiring likely remains. Previous adornments, such as the door decals, have been removed; nevertheless, the car largely retains its original appearance from the turn of the millennium. Kerry has set a firm price of $125,000 for the Pikabug, a significant investment appealing to collectors. Considering the enthusiasts’ willingness to invest in vintage Nintendo items, the asking price seems warranted.
Mewisme700 via YouTube
[ad_2]
