This text was not translated, because it is originally in English It's been 65 years since the Volkswagen Beetle first landed in America, and was destined to become a cultural icon. Music fans may be gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Beatlemania, but today Volkswagen is celebrating 65 years of Beetlemania. It was 65 years ago this month that the first Volkswagen Beetle made its way to America, launching both a cultural icon and VW as an automaker here in the United States.