The old Beetles were pretty near indestructable - and cheap to repair when they did break. Sure, they didn't have all the safety systems that are mandated now, and their engines sounded and drove like sewing machines. But there's something wonderful about them anyways.
I hadn't noticed the blank license plate but I actually always notice when a VW has a European plate. ;) Which was it in this case?
In this case, the Beetle has an Ontario plate. :-)