October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Was the Iconic Pea Car Really a Volkswagen?

The iconic Birds Eye Pea Car was a one-off advertising stunt vehicle, not a Volkswagen. Its Beetle headlights were fitted to a modified off-road go-kart chassis.
Entry470 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

No. The Birds Eye Pea Car was a one-off advertising vehicle built on a modified off-road go-kart chassis. Its Volkswagen connection was a pair of Beetle headlights—not a VW chassis or a production Volkswagen model.

Why did the Pea Car look like a Volkswagen?

Its Beetle headlights gave the bright-green vehicle a distinctly Volkswagen-like face. Reports by SlashGear and Autoevolution identify those headlights as the source of the association. But a familiar-looking component does not make the whole vehicle a Volkswagen.

What was the Pea Car built from?

The reports describe a modified off-road go-kart chassis beneath custom green bodywork. London special-effects company Asylum built the vehicle for the Birds Eye campaign. SlashGear reports that the body used 12 fiberglass panels, designed to come away as part of the on-screen stunt. The outlets also attribute a Honda engine to the car, but their accounts differ on its top speed, so a precise figure is not established consistently.

What was the car doing in the Birds Eye commercial?

The ad, which aired in December 2005, used the car’s shedding panels as a visual metaphor for Birds Eye’s message: vegetables lose vitamins after picking, while freezing locks in their goodness. That is the commercial’s claim and creative device; the car’s history does not independently verify the nutrition claim.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Berry President 1967 Classic Beetle Bug Vintage 1/32 Scale Diecast Metal Pull Back Car Model Toy for Gift/Kids (Beige)
  • Car Size: Long 13cm , Width 5.5cm , Hight 5.5cm
  • Product Material:zinc alloy plastic rubber
  • Color: Black , Yellow , Beige , Red , Pink , Blue , Skyblue
  • Car doors can be opened, pull back action drives car forward
  • It is perfect for collector's display and also can be used as a toy or gift.

How does it differ from a real Volkswagen?

Question Pea Car Volkswagen connection
Platform Modified off-road go-kart chassis, according to SlashGear and Autoevolution No VW chassis is identified in those accounts
Recognizable part Custom bodywork with Beetle headlights The headlights are the reported VW-sourced component
Purpose One-off Birds Eye advertising vehicle Not a factory Volkswagen or production model

Volkswagen Group’s history places its “German People’s Car” project in a separate period and context: Ferdinand Porsche submitted a project memorandum in 1934, and the first VW Series 3 prototype was presented in July 1935. Three prototypes underwent 50,000-kilometre tests between October 12 and December 18, 1936, according to Volkswagen Group’s historical account. Those early production-development milestones have no connection to the later Birds Eye stunt vehicle.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Where is the Pea Car now?

Autoevolution reports that the car was displayed at the National Motor Museum and says it was “said to be” on display at a Unilever site in Walton-on-Thames. That report does not independently confirm its current whereabouts, so neither location should be treated as a verified present-day home.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Berry President 1967 Classic Beetle Bug Vintage 1/32 Scale Diecast Metal Pull Back Car Model Toy for Gift/Kids (Beige)
Berry President 1967 Classic Beetle Bug Vintage 1/32 Scale Diecast Metal Pull Back Car Model Toy for Gift/Kids (Beige)
Car Size: Long 13cm , Width 5.5cm , Hight 5.5cm; Product Material:zinc alloy plastic rubber
$9.99
SaleBestseller No. 2
Maisto 1:24 SE Volkswagen Beetle - Green
Maisto 1:24 SE Volkswagen Beetle - Green
Die-cast metal body with plastic parts; Opening doors and engine compartment; Detailed chassis
$20.56
SaleBestseller No. 3
Tamiya 24136 1/24 Volkswagen 1300 Beetle 1966 Plastic Model Kit
Tamiya 24136 1/24 Volkswagen 1300 Beetle 1966 Plastic Model Kit
package height : 7.111 cm; package length : 29.718 cm; package width : 19.05 cm; Product type : TOYS AND GAMES
$29.59
Bestseller No. 5
KiNSMART - 1967 Volkswagen Classic Beetle 5 Inch 1:32 Scale Die Cast Metal Model Toy (Black)
KiNSMART - 1967 Volkswagen Classic Beetle 5 Inch 1:32 Scale Die Cast Metal Model Toy (Black)
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 5 inches in length, perfect size for display or play
$7.99
Best Value
KiNSMART - 1967 Volkswagen Classic Beetle 5 Inch 1:32 Scale Die Cast Metal Model Toy (Black)
  • CLASSIC REPLICA: Authentic 1:32 scale die-cast metal model of the iconic 1967 Volkswagen Classic Beetle in a beautifal paint finish
  • DETAILED DESIGN: Features include chrome-style bumpers, realistic headlights, detailed wheels, and accurate body styling
  • DIMENSIONS: Approximately 5 inches in length, perfect size for display or play
  • INTERIOR FEATURES: Detailed cabin with beige interior, visible dashboard, and clear windows
  • CONSTRUCTION: Durable die-cast metal body with plastic components and rolling rubber wheels
Rank #4
Jada Herbie The Love Bug Volkswagen Beetle Hollywood Rides 1:24 Die-Cast Vehicle with Tire Rack Toys
  • Iconic movie styling – Features Herbie's #53 livery, racing stripes, and vintage license plate for screen-accurate authenticity
  • Premium die-cast build – Crafted from sturdy metal with high-quality paint execution; perfect for display or play
  • Dynamic functionality – Opening doors, hood, and decklid reveal interior and engine details; adds interactive realism
  • Collector-ready extras – Includes bonus tire rack accessory for added diorama flair or shelf appeal
  • Jada Toys – Trusted by collectors and fans for delivering high-detail, officially licensed pop culture vehicles
Rank #3
Sale
Tamiya 24136 1/24 Volkswagen 1300 Beetle 1966 Plastic Model Kit
  • package height : 7.111 cm
  • package length : 29.718 cm
  • package width : 19.05 cm
  • Product type : TOYS AND GAMES
Rank #2
Sale
Maisto 1:24 SE Volkswagen Beetle - Green
  • Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
  • Opening doors and engine compartment
  • Detailed chassis
  • Item Package Weight: 1.28 pounds

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.