Store Specializing in Historic VW Beetles in Brazil Suffers Irreparable Damage After Flood (Instagram @alten_wagen_brasil)
After heavy rains hit the city of São Paulo, Brazil, the store Alten Wagen, specializing in classic VW Beetles, suffered severe damage just two months after its opening in November 2024.
The store saw its dream destroyed by the flood, which submerged the first floor, damaging nine rare and historic vehicles, including models from the 1960s and 1970s. One of the Beetles was even carried away by the current and recovered several blocks away.
Faced with the situation, Antônio Gomes Ferreira, the store’s founder, decided to sell seven of the Beetles at below-market prices to prevent them from suffering irreparable damage. With a market value of around $4,200, the vehicles were sold for $1,200 each, resulting in a significant financial loss.
Antônio, who started his collection after an accident in 2018, has always been passionate about original Beetles, seeing them as more than just cars but as living memories.
The family is now focusing on rebuilding the store and restoring the cars of two employees who also lost their vehicles in the flood. The collector community has mobilized, organizing auctions and raffles to raise funds. While the store faces challenges, Alten Wagen will continue to exist, now on a smaller scale, with fewer vehicles on display but maintaining its connection with Beetle enthusiasts.
Source: UOL | Photo: Instagram @alten_wagen_brasil | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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