2001 Volkswagen Beetle 1 von 80 Original Autos

The "Cup Edition Millennium" Beetle, known for its distinctive Millennium-themed decals, is often referred to as the "Dubai Beetle." "Dubai Beetle" was also the official project name and is listed as such in the "VAG VIN Data List of Cars"! The cars were built in 2001 at the pilot plant in Puebla in a "very limited run" of 80 cars. All were commissioned by the official VAG importer "Al Naboodah" in Dubai and at the special request of a very well-known figure in Dubai. There is no example in the museum, nor any official documentation (as VW itself explains), but this has recently been clearly and 100% refuted based on internal VAG documents! The car was developed by "VW Racing GmbH" under VAG supervision, conceived as a project in 1999, and sold/delivered exclusively to Dubai!

A VAG project shrouded in rumors and great mystery! One of only three known "original cars worldwide"!

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The detailed history, based on 20 years of research, can be found here: www.cupeditionbeetle.com

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This car, listed even in the official VAG databases as the "DUBAI BEETLE," was developed in parallel with the RSI.

The reason for the commission:

This aforementioned "personality" had apparently managed to get his hands on an RSI BEETLE at the time and immediately wanted several of these cars. However, VAG refused his request because the production run was limited to 250 units!

The solution to the problem:

"The VIP" (... and only someone with a big name can do that) used his influence on VAG, which subsequently agreed to the production of this small series. Responsibility was shifted to "VW Racing GmbH," while the conversion/construction was outsourced to the pilot division in Puebla (Mexico). Even back then, people went out of their way to avoid being associated with the project! I wonder why?

The result ==> 80 "Dubai Beetles" with two-wheel drive, a 1.8-liter engine, and a Millennium design personalized for the client!

The cars have literally been "hidden" from the media to this day and have never been publicly mentioned or publicized!

Known project costs:

The RSI Beetle was offered in Germany for approximately 136,000 DM. According to VW employees, the project costs for the "Dubai Beetle" amounted to approximately $6 million, which in turn resulted in a purchase price of about 147,000 DM per car! So "more expensive than the RSI"!

Facts – as of 2026:

A) In Europe, there are currently 2 cars known to exist in original condition, with original service books (Germany and Spain)!

B) In Germany, there is a single car in original condition with corresponding documentation

C) Worldwide, about 10 additional cars in drivable but poor condition have been sighted and reported over the past 20 years!

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The car had one previous owner and has been in the same ownership for 20 years. During this time, it has only been driven 200 km (TÜV).

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An official VW file containing a list of VIN numbers for all 80 cars produced in Puebla at the time, clear photos showing the first prototype at the importer’s / Auto Show, sightings of the first production series of the "Dubai Beetle" on German roads during test drives, and much more now prove that the car was clearly a VW product!

There are also plenty of photos and emails from VW suppliers and companies involved in this project!

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We are looking for a true collector who appreciates the fair value of the car, which, due to its rarity, is on par with a well-preserved RSI Beetle! Trade-in of a reasonable car or motorcycle is possible. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), exporting to the U.S. will be possible in 2027 for cars older than 25 years (date of registration) and exempt from U.S. safety and emissions standards (FMVSS)!