News Release (07/06/12)
Movie fans and car enthusiasts alike enjoyed a rare treat at Bristol Airport on 6 June when a Volkswagen modelled on the vehicle from the popular ‘Herbie’ films made an appearance.
The car’s owner, Al Clinton, has driven from Liverpool to Monte Carlo to raise money for a children’s hospice charity. He has spent over £30,000 restoring the vintage VW and modelling it on the ‘Herbie’ featured in the film ‘The Love Bug’. There were 40 cars used during filming and Al’s car has now been officially recognised as the best replica in the world and now known as Herbie Number 11. The iconic car lined up next to an easyJet aircraft also returning from the French Riviera, giving passengers a close up look at a movie legend whilst disembarking their flight.
Al and Herbie passed through Paris and Lyon before arriving in Monaco, where they completed a lap of the Grand Prix Circuit. Their journey is being filmed for a television documentary.
Mike Littleton, Community Relations Manager, Bristol Airport, said:
“Al’s cause is close to our hearts, as we support a similar charity, Children’s Hospice South West. Seeing such an iconic vehicle on our tarmac was great fun for staff and passengers.”
Ali Gayward, UK Commercial Manager, easyJet said:
“Our passengers were thrilled to catch a glimpse of Herbie as they returned from Nice today. Also for some of the passengers the last time they had seen Herbie was driving around the Grand Prix Circuit in Monte Carlo a few days ago.”