When we think of rare vintage car accessories, we often picture flashy paint jobs, custom upholstery, or limited-edition trim packages. However, some accessories are so rare and unusual that they almost seem mythical. One of the most fascinating examples is the Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine, a dash-mounted coffee maker designed for the Volkswagen Beetle. While its practicality is debatable, its rarity and quirky charm make it one of the most sought-after vintage car accessories.
Let’s dive deep into the story of this one-of-a-kind automotive gadget, its features, rarity, and why collectors are willing to pay a small fortune to get their hands on one.
Rare Vintage Car Accessories: A Niche Market for Collectors
Vintage cars often come with accessories that enhance their appeal, but some of these features are rather ordinary. Special trim pieces, rare factory colors, and analog navigation systems are intriguing, but they don’t always capture the imagination of collectors outside the automotive world.
However, some accessories break the mold. Take Oldsmobile’s futuristic Visual Information Center, a touchscreen infotainment system from the 1980s, or Honda’s early analog navigation system. These accessories were ahead of their time, but they were still rooted in practicality.
Then there’s Volkswagen’s dash-mounted coffee maker, an accessory that defies logic. It wasn’t just about convenience—it was a conversation piece, a novelty that made driving an even more unique experience.
The Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine: A Coffee Maker for Your Volkswagen Beetle
The Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine is one of the most obscure car accessories ever produced. Designed as a luxury add-on for the Volkswagen Beetle, it allowed drivers to brew coffee while on the go.
This machine wasn’t mass-produced or widely marketed, which is part of why it remains so rare today. It was an accessory that appealed to a niche audience—likely European drivers who appreciated a fresh cup of coffee on long road trips.
What made it special?
- It mounted directly to the dashboard of the Volkswagen Beetle.
- It plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter for power.
- It came with porcelain coffee cups that had built-in metal bases to keep them secure.
- It was available in both 6V and 12V versions, depending on the car’s electrical system.
The idea of brewing coffee inside a car might sound absurd by today’s standards, but in the 1950s and 1960s, it was a symbol of convenience and innovation.
The Hunt for a Rare Classic: Tracking Down the Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine
Because so few of these coffee makers were produced, finding one today is nearly impossible. Classic car enthusiast Dave Hord spent years searching for one and eventually tracked one down in Serbia.
Even after acquiring the machine, Hord had more questions than answers. The German advertisements suggested it worked with both 6V and 12V electrical systems, but his unit had no clear markings to confirm which version it was.
When he plugged it into a 6V power source, the machine appeared to turn on, but it didn’t generate noticeable heat—raising doubts about whether it was fully functional or if it had simply aged beyond usability.
One of the biggest surprises was that it didn’t have a power switch. Once plugged in, it would begin heating immediately, making it a bit unpredictable for first-time users.
Was the Coffee Any Good?
The big question—was this machine capable of brewing a decent cup of coffee?
Hord originally assumed it functioned like a percolator or an espresso machine, but after experimenting with it, he realized it was more like a tea brewer. The brewing process involved:
- Filling the vessel with water.
- Adding ground coffee to the double-layered filter screen.
- Heating the unit with the coffee inside.
The result? A drinkable, but far from gourmet, cup of coffee. Even Hord admitted that the machine likely produced something that barely passed as coffee by modern standards.
However, the quality of the brew wasn’t the point. The Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine was designed for convenience, not for crafting the perfect espresso shot.
Why Is It So Valuable Today?
Despite its questionable practicality, the Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine has become an extremely rare collector’s item. Over the years, very few of these machines have surfaced on the market.
Hord estimates that he has seen only six units available for sale in all his years of searching. That makes it one of the rarest Volkswagen accessories in existence.
How much does it cost today?
- When originally sold, the coffee maker’s price would have been equivalent to about $136 today (adjusted for inflation).
- In the modern collector’s market, it can fetch anywhere from $900 to $1,500, depending on its condition and completeness.
Collectors love items like this because they represent an era of innovation and quirkiness that is rarely seen in modern automobiles. Owning one is like having a piece of forgotten history mounted to your dashboard.
The Appeal of Bizarre Vintage Accessories
The Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine is not the only odd vintage car accessory to exist. Other unusual automotive gadgets from history include:
- Dashboard-mounted record players (Yes, vinyl records in a car!)
- In-car mini bars (because the ‘60s were a different time)
- Steering wheel tray tables (for convenient in-car dining)
Each of these accessories, while impractical by modern standards, reflects a time when car manufacturers were willing to take risks and cater to everyday luxury needs.
Conclusion: A Legendary Volkswagen Accessory That Stands the Test of Time
The Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine is more than just a quirky coffee maker—it’s a symbol of vintage automotive creativity. While it may not brew the best cup of coffee, its rarity, history, and unique design make it one of the most sought-after Volkswagen accessories.
For collectors and classic car enthusiasts, owning one of these machines is like owning a piece of lost automotive history. It’s not just about making coffee—it’s about preserving a time when car accessories were designed to surprise and delight drivers in ways we rarely see today.
So, if you ever spot one of these rare coffee makers at an auction or a collector’s sale, don’t hesitate—it might just be your last chance to own one of the rarest and most intriguing car accessories ever made
