Simon, you may well be right lets hope it does not come to that!
I am after a second bug now - hopefully pre 66! - and want them to see me for at least 10 years.
Are there any aircooled car engines in current production?
Surely with moderm sound absorbant materials and emmission control - better more modern fuel injection systems and improved heater arrangements the Beetle could have continued (modern evolving shape as it has, composite materials etc etc)
How much power is used to run the air fan cooling system? Water cooled engines also have a "fan load" albeit probably less?
In terms of the fire risk and overheating issues associated with teh Fan belt failure direct geared drive of the cooling fan system could probably alleviate this particular downfall?
Interesting none the less.....but an era going rapidly by.
I have been trying to obtain a pre 66 and that seems not so easy.
One thing is for sure, given the lack of plastic components (something shared with my Landrovers - all pre Series III) these cars can be maintained indefinately....
WM