\ down-and-out racetrack driver, Jim Douglas, acquires a little Volkswagen, but doesn't realize that the "bug" is almost human. The car helps Jim to win many races but runs away, when it feels it is not appreciated, into the clutches of villainous rival Peter Thorndyke. With the help of his friends Tennessee and Carole, Jim changes his attitude, finds the "bug," and apologizes. They win another race -- and then Jim falls in love with Carole. The highest grossing film in the U.S. during 1969, the film was so successful that it led to three sequels, "Herbie Rides Again," "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo," and "Herbie Goes Bananas," and a limited TV series, "Herbie, the Love Bug." Directed by Robert Stevenson. 108 min. The movie was based on the story "Car-Boy-Girl" by Gordon Buford. On-location shooting was done in California in San Francisco, as well as Willow Springs, the Riverside Raceway, and the Monterey Peninsula. Reissued in 1979 and released on video in 1980 and 1992.