When we think of rare vintage car accessories, we usually picture things like unique color schemes, custom trims, or other subtle design elements that cater to the true automotive enthusiast. But some rare options go beyond the usual suspects, becoming not just rare, but almost mythical in their obscurity. One such item is the dash-mounted coffee maker designed for the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, a gadget so rare that it hardly ever surfaces. But is it as practical as it is rare? Let’s dive into the details.

Rare Car Accessories and Their Value

Vintage cars often come with accessories that enhance their value, but many of these features can be fairly mundane. For example, rare color combinations and special trim pieces might excite car aficionados, especially those with tools to measure things like paint thickness, but they don’t always carry the same intrigue for the wider audience. Then there are options like Honda’s rare 1980s analog navigation system or Oldsmobile’s futuristic “Visual Information Center,” which offered a touch-screen CRT infotainment system years before the technology became mainstream. These kinds of options were rare, sophisticated, but not widely embraced by consumers.

Volkswagen’s dash-mounted coffee maker, however, is in a league of its own. It may not be as technologically advanced as Honda’s or Oldsmobile’s offerings, but its rarity makes it one of the most unique accessories to ever appear in a vintage car. The machine, known as the Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine, was sold as a practical accessory for the Volkswagen Beetle, allowing drivers to brew coffee while on the road. The catch? These coffee makers are so rare that they are nearly impossible to find today.

Video

Watch this video to see the stunning 1956 VW Beetle and its timeless charm!

The Elusive Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine

Information about the Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine is scarce, and what little survives is mostly in the form of old German brochures and a few images floating around the internet. Even after much searching, it’s incredibly hard to track down any real details about this machine. The only way to learn more about it is by contacting people who have actually owned one. Enter Dave Hord, a classic car enthusiast who went on a mission to track down one of these rare coffee machines.

After reaching out to a seller in Serbia who had recently acquired one, Hord’s journey took a turn for the better when the seller posted another unit for sale. Despite some initial price disagreements, Hord eventually managed to purchase the machine and have it shipped from Serbia to the U.S. However, once it arrived, even Hord was faced with more questions than answers.

The Mysterious Coffee Maker

While the machine’s design is relatively straightforward, several questions remained. According to the German advertisements, the coffee maker was available in both 6V and 12V versions, but Hord’s unit had no markings to indicate which version it was. After some testing, he found that the machine powered on when connected to a 6V battery, but after a few minutes, there was no noticeable heat, leaving the mystery of whether it could work at the higher voltage unsolved.

One particularly baffling feature was the absence of a power switch. Once plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, the unit simply heated up, making it a bit of a surprise to use. As for the coffee-making process, it was not exactly what you’d call “high-end.” Hord initially thought it was a percolator or an espresso machine, but after investigating, he realized it worked more like a glorified tea brewer. You fill the vessel with water, add the coffee to the double-layered screen, and heat the unit with the coffee inside. While this might brew a liquid that’s technically coffee, it’s far from a smooth, rich espresso or a perfect pour-over.

“I have to imagine this machine actually makes terrible coffee,” Hord admitted.

Clever Features and Design

While the coffee it brews may not win any barista competitions, the machine does have a few interesting features that add to its charm. The porcelain cups that came with the machine had a metal disc at the bottom, allowing them to magnetically attach to the machine for easy storage. The coffee pot itself mounted to the dash with a simple bracket, making it easy to remove and clean when necessary. These features, along with its quirky design, made the coffee maker more than just a functional accessory—it became a conversation starter, a piece of history.

The Rarity and Value of the Hertella Kaffeemachine

What truly makes the Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine remarkable is its rarity. Hord, who has spent several years looking for these machines, has only ever come across six for sale during his search. That’s the total known inventory of these devices, making it a true collector’s item. The fact that it was a car accessory that made less-than-ideal coffee likely contributed to its short-lived appeal, as it may have simply been discarded by many owners.

Despite its practicality being questionable, the machine is a fascinating piece of automotive history. In fact, these rare coffee makers are now fetching high prices in the vintage market. Adjusting for inflation, a unit from the time would have cost around $136, but nowadays, the prices can reach as high as $900, with very few examples being sold for much less. The combination of its rarity, quirky design, and fascinating backstory makes it one of the most eye-catching accessories you can install in your Beetle today.

Conclusion: A Legendary Accessory for Your Volkswagen

The dash-mounted coffee maker might not be the most practical tool for brewing your morning cup of joe, but it certainly stands as a testament to the unique and bizarre accessories that have graced vintage vehicles over the years. Whether you’re a collector or simply a fan of odd automotive history, the Hertella Auto Kaffeemachine is one of those rare treasures that make the Volkswagen Beetle even more iconic. You might not win any fans for your “bean water” at your local Cars and Coffee, but you’ll definitely stand out with one of these incredibly rare machines hanging off your dash.

Video

Watch this video to compare in-car coffee makers from 1979 and 2020, showcasing how technology has evolved!