Billy Joel can't pass up Des Moines Beetle

By The Associated Press | Thursday, April 17, 2008

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Enough of the Piano Man. How about Beetle Billy?

Singer Billy Joel now is the proud owner of a classic Volkswagen bug after stopping in at a downtown Des Moines dealership.

In town for a concert Tuesday, Joel took a look around American Dream Machines, a business that specializes in vintage sports and muscle cars.

``We have a lot of celebrities come in here from time to time, but it's kind of unique when Billy Joel comes in,'' owner Doug Klein said.

Klein said Joel spotted a burgundy-colored 1973 VW Beetle that had been driven less than 40,000 miles.

``He noticed the Bug in the corner. He said, 'That's a neat car, I like the color,''' Klein said. ``He said it'd be a great beach vehicle for him.''

Klein thought Joel also may have been attracted by the car's year.

``He did mention that in 1973 he did the 'Piano Man,''' Klein said, referring to one of Joel's biggest hits.

Klein wouldn't disclose what Joel paid but said it was less than the listed price. And as sales go, it wasn't one of his bigger money-makers.

``It was the least expensive car in the shop,'' he said.

The most expensive car in stock is a 1970 Chevelle LS6, a muscle car that could go for $150,000.

There were some side benefits, however. Joel also gave the dealer eight second-row concert tickets and backstage passes.

Mechanic Jeremiah Johnson delivered the car to Wells Fargo Arena before the show, then accompanied Joel on a test drive.

``We kind of circled the city,'' Johnson said. ``It was very, very cool. Who expects to go to work...and to have Billy Joel come in? It's not something everybody expects to happen.''

Johnson said the car was then loaded onto a tour truck.

``We've actually had quite a few people interested in that vehicle. No takers yet until Mr. Joel,'' Johnson said.