While bowling - or ten pins - originated in Europe and came to America in the 18th century, it is most popular in the United States and canada. Nevertheless, it is one of the most popular sports in the world with more than 100 million bowlers in 80 countries. In the U.S., there are professional and local leagues, as well as a solid core of individual bowlers who are drawn to the lanes each week. As far back as 1875, bowling became organized in the United States through the National Bowling League. In 1895, the American Bowling Congress (ABC) was formed and rules and standards were established. The Women's International Bowling Congress was organized in 1916, and the Young American Bowling Alliance overseas, the sport for younger bowlers. As popular as the bowling is around the world, so also is Budweiser beer. Budweiser is the "official beer" of the professional bowling circuit and the sponsorship of bowling by Anheuser-Busch plays a vital role in professional bowling today.

Now, Budweiser and bowling score a strike in an exciting die-cast replica. A 1968 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet is marked with official Budweiser logos and a vibrant graphic of a bowling ball smashing through pins. Your Budweiser "Bowling" Bug is produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

© 1999 Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

(1999)

Scale: 1:43