Summary

This authentic, special-effects car is from Disney's 'Herbie Goes Bananas.' Of the 26 made for filming, this is one of four remaining Herbies. Sold on Bill of Sale only.

Details

This is an authentic, special-effects car used in the 1980 Disney movie 'Herbie Goes Bananas.' The front wheels do not touch the ground. Instead, the car is supported by a small fifth wheel mounted between, and slightly to the rear of the normal front wheels. This hidden fifth wheel allowed Spinning Herbie to revolve around and turn within its own length. A secondary steering, gearshift and pedal assembly in the rear seat area allowed a hidden driver to make the car perform, seemingly at verbal command. A complex chain and linkage mechanism moves the normal front wheels and the front steering wheel as the rear steering wheel is turned, maintaining the illusion of Herbie driving himself. When Spinning Herbie arrived at Mid America Motorworks, both the fifth wheel and the auxiliary driving controls were missing. Mid America Motorworks designed, sourced and fabricated a new fifth wheel assembly, new rear seat controls, and various wiring harnesses. The exterior was carefully restored with the hand-painted 'TAXI' signs, smiling flowers and splashes of fake mud. The secondary steering control was built from 3/4' drill rods, custom steering wheel, bearing assemblies and a chain gear drive to mate it to the stock controls. Mid America Motorworks' Interior Division designed, fabricated and installed a movie-style interior in Herbie, including microphone-ready seatbacks. Joaquin Garay III who played Paco in 'Herbie Goes Bananas,' attended Funfest for Air-Cooled VW in the early 2000s. In 2005, he personalized Spinning Herbie by adding his signature to the glove compartment. Spinning Herbie may be driven from the rear seat. When the fifth wheel is activated, it can once again spin in its own length. **SOLD ON BILL OF SALE ONLY**