Custom “Herbie” Tribute Pedal Car
Overview
The Prestige Mini Motors Volkswagen Beetle pedal car is a collectible children’s ride-on vehicle styled after the iconic classic Beetle produced by Volkswagen. This example has been custom restored and finished as a tribute to Herbie, the beloved racing Beetle featured in the Disney film series beginning with The Love Bug (1968).
The pedal car captures the unmistakable shape of the original Beetle with rounded fenders, curved roofline, and compact proportions. In this restoration the vehicle has been finished in the classic white Herbie racing livery, complete with red, white, and blue racing stripes and the famous number 53, recreating the appearance of the movie car while preserving the charm of a vintage children’s pedal vehicle.
Restoration Highlights
• Prestige Mini Motors collectible pedal car
• Steel body construction with functional steering
• Classic Volkswagen Beetle body styling
• Custom Herbie racing livery with number 53
• Period-style red, white, and blue racing stripes
• Restored wheels and authentic Volkswagen trim components
• Detailed embroidery on the custom leather seat
• Decals inspired by Disney film cars
• 1953 California license plate
Inspiration — Herbie
Herbie first appeared in the 1968 Disney film The Love Bug and quickly became one of the most recognizable movie cars of all time. The character car was based on the classic Volkswagen Beetle, a model known worldwide for its friendly appearance and distinctive engineering.
Across multiple films, Herbie was portrayed as a spirited racing car with a personality of its own, wearing the now‑legendary number 53 and red‑white‑blue racing stripes. The car became a cultural icon and remains one of the most beloved automotive characters in cinema.
Manufacturer — Prestige Mini Motors
Prestige Mini Motors produced a range of collectible children’s ride-on cars modeled after famous automobiles. These pedal cars and ride-on vehicles were designed to capture the character of full-scale classics while remaining durable and fun for young drivers.
Today, restored examples are often displayed by collectors at automotive shows, toy collector events, and vintage pedal car exhibitions, where they celebrate both automotive history and childhood nostalgia.
Estimated Market Value (2026)
Restored examples typically range between $300 – $900 CAD depending on originality, condition of paint and decals, completeness of components, quality of restoration, and manufacturer rarity. Custom show builds such as this Herbie tribute can command higher interest due to the visual appeal and connection to the famous film car.