Bok's Old Beetle to Be Purchased By Highest Bidder in PBH Auction

Former President Derek C. Bok's 1969 crimson Volkswagon "Bug" will go to the highest bidder at a Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) auction to be held this fall.

Harvard's 25th president drove the vintage VW from his home on Elmwood St. to the Holyoke Center parking garage until the end of his 20 years as president, said Lee H. smith, an administrative assistant at PBHA.

The little car, which Bok donated to PBHA over the summer, has 45,718 miles on its odometer. PBHA members described the car, which features a sunroof, as being in excellent condition.

All proceeds from the auction of the VW will be put towards PBHA's tutoring, homeless, and literacy programs.

Bok Preferred Bug

The former president is known for his distaste for displays of extravagance. Though he had access to an official car-a University-owned limousine with the license plate 1636-he preferred his lower-profile Bug. Harvard University was founded in 1636.

Bidding to Begin Soon

The Bug will be sold by silent auction, Smith said, adding that she expects bidding to begin soon.

The car was given to Bok as a gift by his mother when he first came to Harvard, Smith said.

Sealed offers will be accepted by mail until December 31, and the top bidder will be notified by January 6. In the event of a tie, the highest bidders will be contacted.