[interview, movies] Herbie, the lovable little VW Beetle, has many fans all over the world. Not many of these fans are as enthusiastic as Dave Evans though. He is the man behind the Herbie the Love Bug Fan Club and Historical Society and has his very own Herbie to drive around with. It is clear that Dave loves the movies and the car, and he goes out of his way to help other Herbie fans out. I interviewed him to coïncide with the release of Herbie: Fully Loaded on DVD.
When asked what made him become such a big fan of the Herbie-movies, Dave Evans is very clear. "There was something magical about the car. I was in love. It probably helped that my parents also had a 66 Beetle at the time I saw my first Herbie movie, Herbie Rides Again.
Q: What do you think it is about the VW Beetle that makes it so appealing?
A: The Beetle? Simplicity. It's a basic car that gets the job done. Of course now it has taken on a new meaning with collectors. I've always felt that the Bug was popular because it looks like a friendly car. They have character and look like they are smiling. It sounds funny but it's very true.
Q: When it was announced that there would be a new Herbie movie, were you happy about that? Or were you worried that a new installment in the series would maybe make too many changes to what made Herbie so great in the first place?
A: I was happy and worried. What worried me immediately was that Disney never contacted any of the Herbie fans for input. Then the story line was announced. Herbie in NASCAR? It didn't make sense. Dollars (for Disney tie-ins) maybe, but not sense. :-) The other concern was wondering if Disney would take the time to get Herbie right. The TV movie that ABC Disney aired in 1997 was pretty bad, and Herbie looked awful in it. I was very worried about the new film.
Q: Did you see the new movie, and if so, what did you think of it? Do you think it can hold it's own when compared to the old Herbie movies?
A: I give the movie an A for entertainment value. It was fun. However, there was much that I would have done differently. For example, get rid of all of the CGI effects. Most looked phony and detracted from the film. More racing (more dramatic) and more wheelies! More of the old school Herbie. I also would not have allowed Herbie's look to change so dramatically.
Q: Which of the Herbie movies is your favorite, and why?
A: This is hard.There are bits from the first three movies that are my favorites. For example, IN THE LOVE BUG, when Herbie does his first wheelie and blows past the hot rod. In Herbie Rides Again I always loved the driving on the HAWK building scenes, Herbie surfing, and leading the VW army. Oh, and in Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo the racing scenes are the best. As you can see, it's a toss up. I really love Dean Jones so I may have to give the edge to the original LOVE BUG.
Q: I read that you have met the lead actor in the original Herbie-movies, Dean Jones, what was that like?
A: Dean is a great guy. He went out of his way to do an interview with me. The interview was done before I knew about Dean's faith in God. In a way, because of Dean and Herbie, I became a Christian as well. The complete story is on my web site.
Q: Your website is very popular, with a very active messageboard. When you started the site, did you expect there to be so many Herbie fans around who were still so active in their love of the movies and the car?
A: In the beginning my web site was the only one for Herbie fans. There weren't many of us online back then. It was just a handfull. My goal was to preserve the character of Herbie. It worked. Now, there are several web sites devoted to Herbie. I wanted to point out that I closed my message board and linked my site to the lovebugfans' board. I think it's great having everyone meet in one location. It was a way to bring everyone together.
Q: If you would have the chance to make a Herbie movie, what would it be about? Do you think the people who made the new Herbie movie come close to what your ideas would be, or would you take a whole different path?
A: My movie would involve Dean Jones in some way. He's linked to Herbie the most. His character should have been used. I actually started a script years ago. I never completed it but the idea was more rooted in Herbie's history than the current film is. As a fan, I would have kept Herbie more in character. Disney wasn't even close.
Q: You have your own 'Herbie', which you renovated and painted yourself. How did you come up with the idea to do that, and was it difficult to do?
A: Building a Herbie is easy if you have the right VW. I was lucky enough to find the right year and color! All she needed was the decals and license plate! Of course, I restored the entire car. I have to give thanks to Bob Hoag and Daryl Adams for setting me up with the original Herbie decals. These guys are responsible for creating the original (reproduction) graphics.
Q: Do you ever give advice to other people who want to make a Herbie?
A: People write me on a daily basis asking for help. I do what I can and I always tell them to post on the board. The message board is a great way to meet other fans and get lots of help. It's an excellent resource.
Q: Do you have any indication how many modified VW's there are driving around worldwide?
A: There are probably hundred's of Herbie replicas rolling around the world. New ones are built everyday. It's truly amazing.
Q: How often do you use your Herbie/Penny? Is it a car for daily trips, or do you keep it mostly for special occassions?
A: My Herbie has been everything. It's been a show car, a daily driver, and an occasional weekend fun machine. During the summer it's really hot in Florida so I limit my driving. The winter is the time I drive her the most. Most of our outings involve meeting children. The best part of owning a Herbie is making kids (and adults) smile.
Q: In the movies, Herbie can do a whole bunch of stunts. Have you ever tried to do any stunts with the car yourself?
A: Well, if you mean things like jumps, wheelies, and surfing, I'd have to say both yes and no. HA HA! I actually surfed Herbie over a flooded road (not by choice) a few years ago. It was quite interesting to say the least. My car is pretty much stock though. I need some good ol Herbie magic for wheelies!
Q: Do you have any kids and if so, what do they think of your car, and the whole Herbie-phenomenon?
A: I have two daughters. Both have known Herbie all their lives. My oldest never realized how special Herbie was until the latest movie came out. Seeing other kids react to our car made her more excited than ever.
Q: How do people react when they see you driving around in your car. Have you had any special reactions? It must be fun to see people point at your car and go: hey, it's Herbie!
A: People react differently to Herbie. 99% are positive. For those who know Herbie you get screams, honks, and thumbs up. There are far too many memorable reactions to count though. One of the best has to be from a four year old boy who spent THREE HOURS with Herbie at a car show. He talked, sang, hugged, and kissed the car. It was truly amazing that this car could have such an impact.
Q: Final question: can you tell a little bit about yourself and your background?
A: Not much to say except that I have been a VW fan all of my life. With the exception of two American cars early in life, every car I have owned since has been a VW. Total count is around 70, and none have been new! I have owned just about every model and the years ranged from 1956 to 2003. I'm proud of the fact that I helped bring Herbie back from oblivion. First the website (1997) and then my History of Herbie feature article (VW TRENDS MAGAZINE June 2000). It's all been for the love of Herbie. And don't forget about the many other Herbie "gurus" out there. It's wonderful to have a community filled with so many knowledgeable people!
To check out Dave's website and read everything about Herbie, click here!
Where could I get the decals or even a picture of the 53 decals. I want to make a replica of the Herbie that never was. The red Herbie that was originally to be cast in the movie.
Posted by: Shane Betmarik | February 08, 2006 at 01:49 AM
I need to know what the lats movie is it's before herbifullyloaded but after her goes bananas. Could you help me out plz?
Posted by: Andrew | June 17, 2006 at 03:20 AM