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In the late 1950s, Volkswagen was already becoming a cultural icon. The Beetle—compact, friendly‑faced, and stubbornly reliable—was winning over drivers around the world. But tucked inside the lore of these air‑cooled classics is a lesser‑known gem: the factory‑approved, dashboard‑mounted coffee maker that could be installed in a 1959 Volkswagen.
It sounds like a tall tale, but it’s one of those delightful mid‑century inventions that perfectly captures the era’s optimism and eccentricity.
Post‑war Europe was obsessed with convenience and novelty. Automakers experimented with everything from in‑car record players to portable bars. Volkswagen, never one to be outdone in charm, partnered with a German company called Hertella to create the Hertella Auto Kaffeemaschine—a compact, electric coffee maker designed specifically for the Beetle.
Mounted to the dashboard, the device brewed a single cup at a time using 12‑volt power. It was part appliance, part conversation piece, and entirely impractical by modern standards. But in 1959, it was a symbol of freedom: the idea that you could hit the open road and still enjoy a fresh cup of coffee without ever stepping out of your car.
How It Worked
The Hertella unit was surprisingly sophisticated for its size. It featured:
• A metal heating element powered by the car’s electrical system
• A small water reservoir
• A clamp‑on porcelain mug designed to stay put while driving
• A flip‑down filter holder for ground coffee
Brewing took a few minutes—longer if your Beetle’s generator was feeling tired—but the result was a hot, aromatic cup of coffee made right from the dashboard.
It wasn’t fast, but neither was the Beetle. In a way, the two were perfectly matched.
A Rare Collector’s Treasure
Today, original Hertella coffee makers are among the most sought‑after accessories in the vintage Volkswagen world. They’re rare, fragile, and often incomplete, but when one surfaces at an auction or swap meet, it draws a crowd.
Collectors love them not just because they’re unusual, but because they represent a moment in automotive history when creativity trumped practicality. They’re a reminder that cars weren’t just transportation—they were personal spaces, expressions of identity, and sometimes, tiny kitchens on wheels.
There’s something irresistibly charming about the idea of brewing coffee inside a 1959 Volkswagen. It blends nostalgia, ingenuity, and a touch of absurdity. In an age where modern cars boast touchscreens and voice assistants, the Hertella coffee maker feels like a relic from a more whimsical time.
It’s a story that resonates with enthusiasts because it celebrates the spirit of the Beetle itself: simple, clever, and full of personality.
And you thought you had seen it all.
Everything else is just history….
