LOT 167

Motorcars from the Collection of Gerhard Schnuerer 1944 Volkswagen Type 82 'Kübelwagen' Chassis no. 2-029544

Sold for US$58,240 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 167

Motorcars from the Collection of Gerhard Schnuerer
1944 Volkswagen Type 82 'Kübelwagen'

The Amelia Island Auction|5 March 2020, 12:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

Motorcars from the Collection of Gerhard Schnuerer
1944 Volkswagen Type 82 'Kübelwagen'
Chassis no. 2-029544

1,121cc Air-Cooled Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
25bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Fully independent Torsion Bar Sprung Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Later 1.1 Liter Model
*Restored to high standard and well documented
*The grandfather of the postwar VW "Thing"
*Piece of 20th Century history

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

One of the 20th Century's truly great automobiles, the Volkswagen 'Beetle' lived down its origin as Hitler's 'people's car', going on to become an all-time best-seller and cult classic, as well as spawning a host of derivatives. A substantial number of prototype Volkswagens had been touring Germany for some months promoting the car when the Wehrmacht's Panzers rolled across the Polish border on 1st September 1939. Civilian production trickled on, eventually ceasing as Germany's fortunes declined, but the concept's potential military applications had been under consideration for some time. Indeed, Porsche's Type 60 (the Volkswagen prototype) with its strong backbone chassis and air-cooled engine had been recognized as an ideal basis for the German army's proposed Kübelwagen ('bucket car') – a lightweight, open utility vehicle. A small number of Type 62 Kübelwagens were in service by the time war broke out. Experience with these early vehicles soon led to a number of modifications, the result being the definitive Type 82 that would see service on virtually every front.

Of a later specification, this Kübelwagen features the increased capacity motor from the Schwimmwagen installed in all type 82's from 1943 onwards and was good for 1.5 more horsepower and a bit more torque. While the exact history of this example is largely unknown, in more recent times it has been subjected to a thorough and comprehensive restoration. On file is a large binder of photos documenting the extensive restoration project that involved the stripping down and piecing together of the vehicle. Of the work completed, an engine rebuild has resulted in a strong and reliable unit that will certainly be trusted for many miles of motoring. Since the completion of the restoration, the car appears to have been mildly used and shows the most limited signs of wear.

Serving as an example of some of Dr. Porsche's early work with the flat four platform he would go on to perfect after the war with his own company, this Kübelwagen will make for a fine addition into any collection.

Additional information

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