My '80's-era VW had a bee-sting antenna with the amplifier in its base.

I think VW has been on the powered antenna tip for a while. I seem to recall other VWs haveing powered antennas as well. They might be one of the few manufacturers that use them though, because you hardly ever see them. No car I've ever owned, or helped install a sterio in has ever had one.

If I'm not misstaken, the New Beatle comes stock with one of the new Fuba antennas. Probably very similar to what you had.

It's a pretty slick antenna, and I was thinkin about stickin one on my car.