1,131cc 4-Cylinder Boxer Motor
Single Carburetor
24.5bhp at 3,000rpm
4-Speed Unsynchronized Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Independent Torsion Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Recipient of comprehensive restoration
*A unique addition to any collection
*Important relic of the 20th century's greatest conflict
*Four-wheel drive, and adaptable screw propulsion- far more advanced than the Type-64

THE SCHWIMMWAGEN

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. Outlined in the early 1930s, Hitler's brief envisaged an affordable car costing less than 1,000 Reichsmarks. The man charged with translating the Führer's dream into reality was Dr Ferdinand Porsche. One of Germany's foremost automobile engineers, Porsche had presided over the design departments of Austro-Daimler, Daimler-Benz and Steyr, and had already developed several prototypes that went some way towards meeting Hitler's requirements for the concept. The Volkswagen that eventually entered production though, would be all new design, albeit one that would only come to fruition after WW2.

A substantial number of prototype Volkswagens had been touring Germany for some months promoting the car when the Wehrmacht 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 recognised 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.

Yet another variant was the Schwimmwagen, an amphibious vehicle that represented almost total re-engineering rather than merely further development. The Schwimmwagen featured a watertight, door-less hull – designed by Porsche's colleague Erwin Komenda - four-wheel drive and a power take-off from the engine that drove a retractable propeller. Types 128 Model A, 138 Model C and 166 Model C were manufactured as the design progressed, most of the 14,000-or-so Schwimmwagens manufactured ending up with units of the Waffen SS.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The dual-purpose machine presented before you has been treated to a comprehensive restoration which concluded in 2006. Documents within the large collection available to those interested in the car illustrate the breadth of work conducted during this project. Annotated photos in a binder explain the step by step process of returning the vehicle back to proper working- and swimming- order. Stripped down to the most minute components, the vehicle's running gear, bodywork, and trim had all received diligent attention throughout the lengthy build.

Festooned with numerous accessories from various containers within the interior to an exterior spade and even a paddle should manual propulsion become necessary, this part-boat, part-car comes prepared for just about any situation one could get themselves into both on land and sea.

Since the completion of the restoration, the vehicle has remained in excellent condition. The 'sumpftarnmuster' swap pattern camouflaged exterior shows with only minor signs of use and will further aid in its user remaining undetected. Inside, the seat cushions appear to have been rarely sat in. Under the rear engine cover, its flat four engine shows in equally good condition with no signs of water intrusion present. Close inspection will reveal that this is surely one of the finest examples extant.

Despite its initial design intent, this sea faring variant of the venerable Volkswagen is now ready for more peaceful and recreational outings. Sure to attract attention anywhere it goes, this Schwimmwagen will most certainly be a unique addition to any automotive collection. For fans of luftgekühlt, this Porsche derived machine will surely alleviate those devotees of their aversion to water.