Volkswagen Schwimmwagen (1943)

The Volkswagen Beetle, otherwise known pre-war as, "people's car', lived up to its name becoming an all-time best seller and even today continues to be produced in its current and slightly more modern guise. An affordable, small saloon that could carry a German family of five at 100kph along the country's new Autobahns was the design brief. The man tasked with materialising the sceptical idea was one of Germany's foremost engineers, none other than Dr Ferdinand Porsche. Ferdinand the perfect choice had already worked on several similar projects with motor companies such as Austro-Daimler, Daimler-Benz and Steyr.

To promote Volkswagens new "peoples car" (the Type 60) a number of prototypes, many of which with military applications were created to tour the country. When the war broke out a small number of Type 62 Kübelwagens (open utility vehicle) were already in service and later modifications saw the Type 82 created. Possibly the most wondrous variant of them all was the Schwimmwagen. Unlike its other Type 60 variants with small changes and improvements, this model was almost totally re-engineered to become the most mass successful amphibious car ever. Porsche's colleague Erwin Komeda headed the design utilising four wheel drive, and a take-off from the engine used to power the retractable propeller. Three different variants were produced starting with the Type 128 Model A, which with later development became the Type 138 Model C and later again the 166 Model C.

This example was completed on the 30th December 1943, departing shortly after in January 1944. It was in later years purchased by Volkswagen aficionado Mr Alexander Pilibos located in Fresno, California. Enlisting the help of renowned restorer and conservationist Dave Crompton, the Schwimmwagen was subjected to a comprehensive restoration be completed to the most exacting original specifications. With six other examples on site during the works, Crompton would ensure that the restoration was dilligently carried out to reflect the handbuilt nature of the original builds. Pilibos would remain the keeper until 2014 when it was subsequently sourced by DK Engineering and sold to a famed Volkswagen aficionado and collector.

It has since been sheltered in what is possibly the most complete private collection of Volkswagen in Europe and certainly in the United Kingdom. Ahead of sale this example has most recently benefitted from a comprehensive service with marque experts Templar Classics.

Accompanied by a history file including its VW build certificate and a photographic record of its comprehensive restoration, this truly rare piece of Volkswagen history is ready to be viewed immediately at our showrooms based just outside London. Whilst DK Engineering warrant that it runs and drives, it should be noted this is a museum piece and not recommended for road use.

• A rare survivor of the Type 166
• Faithfully restored by marque experts in 2014
• Forming part of a prominent collection of important Volkswagen since
• Offered from decade long ownership
• Freshly serviced by Templar Classics
• Water-worthiness remains untested!