Volkswagen Canada is launching a new interactive web experience to help continue the remarkable story of a Beetle driven around the world three times.
The website expands the story told in Once More: The Story of VIN 903847, a documentary film that traces the history of a 1955 Beetle through each of its owners. It begins with Paul Loofs, who bought the vehicle in 1955 and drove it around the world three times. Nearly 60 years after its first trip around the world, the car is still on the road. After discovering archival photos, Volkswagen Canada and its ad agency Red Urban contacted the 82-year-old Loofs, and the movie was born.
The documentary, directed by Academy Award-nominated Hubert Davis of Untitled Films, began airing on Bravo and Discovery Channel in January.
The new interactive site OnceMore.ca allows visitors to explore the Beetle’s 59-year history. The site’s interface combines the film with a map of the Beetle’s travels, enabling viewers to explore Loofs’ journal entries, photographs and other artifacts that relate to the story. The site can also be explored organically, using the map to access specific locations on the Beetle’s journey.
“This car has an incredible tale to tell. Paul’s journals and photographs alone are so comprehensive and fascinating that we knew we had to do more than just the film to bring the whole story to life,” said Christina Yu, executive creative director of Red Urban, in a release. “And that’s what lead us to the concept of the interactive film for the website.”
Lynne Piette, Volkswagen brand marketing manager, said in a release that he thinks the film project “really speaks to our fans, not only reinforcing the emotional connection so many people have to the brand, but celebrating the truly remarkable stories that so many of our owners have.”
