Uruguay President Offered $1m For VW Beetle

Uruguay's president has revealed he was offered a million dollars for his blue 1987 Volkswagen Beetle.

The car has become a symbol of Jose Mujica's austere lifestyle.

Mr Mujica, the man once nicknamed "the poorest president in the world", told a local publication that an Arab sheik had offered to pay $1m (£631,000) for the humble car.

The offer followed the Mexican ambassador to Uruguay's suggestion that Mr Mujica auction the Beetle in Mexico, predicting he could get 10 four-wheel-drive trucks for it.

Mr Mujica, who famously owns a three-legged dog, Manuela, said any money he received for the car would be donated to a programme he supports providing housing for the homeless.

The former leftist Tupamaro guerrilla leader said that if he bought trucks for it, they could go to Uruguay's public health office or his campaign workers.

The South American country's citizens have been amused by the idea.

One Montevideo resident said: "It's like Hitler's car. I remember people were looking for it and wanted to give millions for it. Since this one has a history, its value goes up."

Another admitted he was surprised by the figure: "To tell the truth at first I thought it was funny. Because to offer so much money for a Beetle, but if they have it, they have millions.

"I do not think he needs it, but if he wants to sell it and the car is on sale, let him take advantage of it. He'll have the money."

Mr Mujica became famous across the world when he assumed Uruguay's presidency in 2010 and declared that his entire wealth amounted to the 1987 Beetle.

The ramshackle farm he lives on was in his wife's name, he explained.

Since then, in his official declarations of wealth, he has included the farm and his earnings of around $11,000 (£7,000) a month as president, of which he donates 20% to his political movement.

Earlier this year, he put his total wealth at $323,000 (£204,000), with the flower farm reportedly worth $108,000 (£68,000).