As the Volkswagen 82 (Kubelwagen) proved very successful during the campaign in Poland, it was necessary to produce everincreasing numbers of this vehicle. Later, Ferdinand Porsche developed an amphibian version of this car, called the Schwimmwagen. The light weight of this vehicle (about 1/2 ton) permitted crossing of muddy areas, since only two men were sufficient to keep this vehicle moving. For reconnaissance and liaison missions, water had to be crossed frequently, which was impossible with other vehicles.
The car was specially insulated to make it water-proof, and it was driven through water by means of a propeller. Compared to the K'U'belwagen, the Schwimmwagen had a 1131 ccm engine mounted, which was later on used for the Kubel- wagen, too. It had a 4-wheel drive. Frequently, a machine gun MG 34 was mounted next to the driver. Although Porsche had designed the car in 1940, production only started in 1942, since the VW works were engaged in manu- facturing other vehicles. In total, 14000 units were produced during the war.
TECHNICAL DATA: Engine: 4-cylinder 113lcc. VW, 25HP at 3,000RPM. Weight: 910 Kg. Max Weight: 1345 Kg. Drive wheels 4 x 4. Gears: 4 forward, 1 reverse. Speed: 80 Km/h; Speed through water: 10 Km/h. Fuel consumption: 9.50 1/1 00 Km. Throught water: 10 I/h. Length: 3825 mm. Width: 1480 mm. Height: 1615 mm. Wheel base: 2000 mm. Distance between wheel: 1220/1230. Total output: 14283 units.
Glue and paints are required for assembly.