Summary
Highlights
Jim Douglas, owner of 'Famous Driving School,' faces financial difficulties, prompting him to seek a loan. Herbie, his unique Volkswagen Beetle, assists in delivering driving lessons, sometimes with unconventional methods like 'driving' an 85-year-old student, Mrs. Gurney, through her maiden voyage, much to Jim's exasperation.
Herbie unexpectedly intervenes in a bank robbery, saving Susan McLean from harm. Impressed by Jim's actions (and Herbie's), Susan seeks private driving lessons for her daughter, Julie, hoping Jim can help. Jim, charmed by Susan, eagerly offers to teach Julie.
After Herbie subtly sabotages a date between Susan and another man, Jim gets his chance to ask Susan out. Their first date is filled with Herbie's playful interruptions, leading to humorous moments and a growing connection between Jim and Susan. Susan learns Jim is an ex-race car driver, a subject she's sensitive about due to her divorce from a similar individual.
Jim's racing past becomes a point of contention as Julie's concerns about Jim being a race car driver mirror her mother's past. Susan is hesitant to get involved with another race car driver. Meanwhile, Jim struggles to compete with Randy, a wealthier suitor vying for Susan's attention.
After being challenged by some teenagers, Jim, unknowingly to Susan, prepares Herbie for a drag race. Susan, expecting a coffee date, is horrified to find herself at a drag strip, witnessing Jim and Herbie race. This confirms her fears about Jim's racing tendencies, leading her to believe he is just like her ex-husband.
Susan, seemingly giving up on Jim, decides to marry Randy. However, Herbie and Jim, with some encouragement from Bo, rush to the wedding to stop it. Herbie dramatically crashes the ceremony, allowing Jim to confess his feelings. Susan, realizing her true feelings, calls off the wedding, choosing Jim and a future with Herbie.