Car sounding like FAB 1? (6)

I believe the answer is:

beetle

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'car' is the definition.
(Volkswagen Beetle)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for beetle that I've seen before include "Iconic German car, first produced in 1938" , "Insect with protective forewings" , "One as ladybird, weevil" , "Insect with hardened forewings - scurry" , "Insect with hard back" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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