Beetle by Vrbanus: A Masterpiece of Metal Craftsmanship at the Oldtimer Museum

At MG Vrbanus, renowned for its exquisite hand-made hammered metal products, the company’s founder, Željko Vrbanus, wanted to create something truly unique to showcase their expertise. The result? A stunning, one-of-a-kind transformation of a classic 1970 Volkswagen Beetle into a work of art, now proudly displayed at the Oldtimer Museum Scardona Park.

The concept was to breathe new life into this iconic car by replacing its original bodywork with wrought iron, crafted meticulously by hand. Over six months and 3,000 man-hours, Željko, his brother Nenad, and employee Boris Smutny worked tirelessly to shape the car's new look, inspired by Baroque art. The finished masterpiece includes hand-painted details, 24kt gold-plating, and a 70kg increase in weight due to the wrought iron bodywork. In 2012, the Beetle received a makeover for the Essen Motor Show, where over 5,000 Swarovski crystals were added to enhance its sparkle and visual appeal.

This extraordinary creation is now part of the collection at the Oldtimer Museum, where visitors can admire its craftsmanship and the dedication that went into its creation. MG Vrbanus continues to be a leader in hand-crafted metalwork, with the Beetle serving as a testament to the artistry and skill that define their work.

Photo by Kacper Dorobek