Hans Plagge: The 77-year-old with a heart for the community

Hans Plagge: The 77-year-old with a heart for the community

Hans Plagge, a 77-year-old man with a passion for community and a good knack for social activities, lives in Niederlangen. He has been volunteering for the people in his area for 45 years. His notable projects include senior trips, the Schiermaker group and loving visits from Santa Claus. Plagge himself says that having fun in the community is what drives him. But it's not just social commitments that shape his life: he also completely dismantled and overhauled a very special car, a VW Beetle from 1959.

The VW Beetle has a great history that dates back to the 1930s. Originally designed by Ferdinand Porsche as a “people’s car”, it was presented to the public in 1938 under the name “KdF-Wagen”. The Beetle is not only a piece of German automotive history, but also a popular cult car, especially in the 1960s. At that time, it was not only a means of transport in many households, but also part of family life, often surrounded by the unmistakable smell of petrol.

A look back: From the KdF car to a cult object

In the post-war period, the VW Beetle experienced a real boom. British occupying troops took over production in Wolfsburg, and the Beetle became a symbol of the German economic miracle. The introduction of new models and technical improvements made it particularly popular, and international advertising, such as the famous “Think Small” campaign, also contributed to the Beetle becoming a cult object. Furthermore, the Beetle was not only popular in the private sector; It was also widely used as a police vehicle.

The memory of the Beetle lives not only in the automotive press, but also in personal stories. So it's not unusual for a family that didn't own a car to have to walk together to birthday parties. On the return journey in the VW Beetle with its tight seating arrangement, reserved seats and the smell of petrol and “4711”, challenges often became a special feature of a family trip. These unifying memories also shape the everyday structures in our communities.

Hans Plagge and his beetle

Hans Plagge lives his commitment to the community and has preserved a piece of history by restoring his Beetle. A vehicle that not only stands for mobility, but also for the sociable time at the coffee table, the memories of celebrations, and the many shared experiences. The beetle connects generations and reminds us how important community gatherings are. Plagge shows us that commitment and preserving traditions can go hand in hand. He remains a role model for many volunteers and an inspiration for future generations.

With his life story and the memories of a beloved VW Beetle that is more than just a car, Hans Plagge brings the people of Niederlangen a little closer together and revives the traditions that connect us all.