Fifty-seven years ago marked the day Volkswagen navigated a Beetle over Lake Chapala

In the vibrant city of Guadalajara, Mexico, in the late 1960s, an extraordinary event took place that captured the imagination of the nation. A Volkswagen Beetle, nicknamed "Vocho," was transformed into an amphibious vehicle and embarked on a daring journey across Mexico's largest lake, Lake Chapala.

The man behind the project was Alois Poppenreiter, an Austrian-Hungarian engineer brought to Guadalajara by Volkswagen Americas. With the help of a team of Mexican mechanics, Poppenreiter spent six months working tirelessly on the vehicle, modifying it to float and withstand both water and road conditions.

To achieve this, the car's engine was replaced with a 1500 engine, and adjustments were made to ensure that oil remained inside and water stayed out. The amphibious Volkswagen Beetle, now nicknamed "Vochito," was also equipped with a removable 30-cm bronze propeller, industrial tubing extending its exhaust pipes, a snorkel on its carburetor, and two bilge pumps. To seal the vehicle for its amphibious journey, materials such as Apcoseal, putty, cork, and even egg whites were used.

On September 8, 1968, at around noon, Vochito was launched from San Luis Soyatlan, with Alois Poppenreiter and Marcelo de Loza, chosen for his swimming skills, at the helm. The launch was initially delayed due to choppy waters, and instead of the hired speedboats, an ordinary rowboat accompanied the amphibious vehicle.

Despite encountering problems from water snakes and water hyacinths during testing at Ajijic Yacht Club and Lake Cajititlán, Vochito successfully crossed Lake Chapala. However, during the crossing, its motor did die at one point, but the vehicle was able to continue.

The amphibious Volkswagen Beetle arrived in Chapala at around 6:00 p.m. and was greeted by a euphoric crowd. The car made its final public appearance at Jalisco Stadium during a World Cup soccer game in 1970, where all eleven members of Mexico's team emerged from the car to the crowd's delight.

John Pint, author of "A Guide to West Mexico's Guachimontones and Surrounding Area" and co-author of "Outdoors in Western Mexico," wrote about the amphibious Volkswagen Beetle's crossing of Lake Chapala. The story of the amphibious Volkswagen Beetle was widely published, but details were scarce and embellished.

Years later, Jorge Viera, president of the Volkswagen Classic Club in Guadalajara, spent years searching for the mechanics who made the car amphibious and piloted it across the lake. Unfortunately, the amphibious Volkswagen Beetle was later sold, and its whereabouts are unknown. However, the memory of this incredible feat will never be forgotten.

As for Alois Poppenreiter, there are no widely known records of him undertaking further notable projects in Mexico after the Lake Chapala crossing with the Vocho. The amphibious journey of the Volkswagen Beetle remains a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of innovation that characterized the 1960s in Mexico. The Volkswagen Beetle, which became popular in Mexico by the 1960s, will always be remembered not just as a reliable and affordable car, but also as a vehicle that could conquer both land and water.