Desert in a Minute: The Giant VW Spider Sculpture Along Highway 62

NBC Palm Springs resident historian Steve Sumrall continues the “Desert in a Minute” series with the story behind one of the desert’s most unusual roadside attractions — a giant Volkswagen Bug mounted on spider legs.

The towering sculpture was built by professional welder Rick Grissom and his good friend Bob Minor, the owner of the land where the structure now stands. Construction of the unique monument took about five months to complete.

The idea came from Minor, who had seen a photograph of a six-legged Volkswagen “spider” sculpture outside Reno, Nevada. Inspired by the concept, Minor decided to create his own version — only bigger.

Working together, Minor and Grissom built an eight-legged version using nearly 300 feet of steel. The finished sculpture stands roughly 28 feet tall and features a classic Volkswagen Beetle body perched atop long steel legs designed to resemble a giant spider.

The structure quickly became a conversation piece for travelers driving through the desert. Over the years, it has grown into a recognizable roadside attraction that continues to catch the attention of motorists passing through the area.

Bob Minor passed away in 2008, but his creation remains standing as a lasting tribute to his imagination. The sculpture represents a quirky blend of German automotive engineering and classic American roadside showmanship.

For Desert in a Minute, this is NBC Palm Springs resident historian Steve Sumrall.

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