Virginia Woman Just Discovered a Rare 1998 Pikachu Car — And It Might Be the Coolest Pokémon Find Ever
VIRGINIA — A Pokémon fan from Virginia has stumbled upon one of the most extraordinary collectibles ever made — a Pikachu-themed Volkswagen Beetle from 1998, built by Nintendo to promote Pokémon’s U.S. debut. The car, long thought lost, has been restored to its full electrifying glory.
A Rare Pokémon Relic Resurfaces
In 2019, Grace, a lifelong Pokémon collector, spotted a bright yellow Beetle listed for sale at $8,000. What she didn’t know at first was that she had found PIKA7, one of only ten original Pikabugs ever created to celebrate the launch of the Pokémon franchise in America.
Built in 1998, these cars toured the country as part of Nintendo’s Poke Patrol, making appearances at shopping malls, movie premieres, and fan events. Each one came equipped with Pikachu ears, a lightning bolt tail, and even a Nintendo 64 gaming console in the trunk so fans could play Pokémon Stadium on the go.
A True 90s Time Capsule
The Pikabugs were instantly recognizable during the height of Pokémania, when fans traded cards at recess, watched Ash and Pikachu on TV every morning, and packed theaters for Pokémon: The First Movie.
Painted Thundershock Yellow and emblazoned with Pikachu’s red cheeks, the cars became icons of Pokémon’s early global rise. Now, decades later, Grace’s discovery is giving fans a powerful jolt of nostalgia.
“It’s like finding a piece of my childhood alive again,” she said in a social post. “This car isn’t just rare — it’s part of Pokémon history.”
The Only Diesel Pikabug Ever Made
What makes PIKA7 especially unique is that it’s the only diesel-powered model in the fleet. Originally given away through a KidsWB and AOL contest tied to Pokémon 3: The Movie, the car was lost to time — until Grace tracked it down and decided to restore it.
After a months-long restoration project, PIKA7 is back in action, complete with fresh yellow paint, custom decals, and that unmistakable Pikachu grin.
Fans Can’t Believe It’s Real
Pokémon fans across social media have reacted with awe and envy, calling the find “a real-life shiny.” Collectors say the car could be worth tens of thousands of dollars today, though Grace insists she has no plans to sell it.
“I just want people to see it and smile,” she said. “It’s a reminder of how magical that first wave of Pokémon really was.”
A Rolling Piece of Pop Culture History
As Grace’s Pikachu Beetle cruises once again, it serves as a vivid reminder of when Pokémon first captured the hearts of millions across the world. From TV screens to trading cards — and now a resurrected piece of 1990s memorabilia — this discovery proves that nostalgia for the franchise is stronger than ever.
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Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.