A third-generation descendent of the original KdF-Wagen (later more famous as the Beetle), the Schwimmwagen (Swimming Wagon or Floating Wagon) was developed from the Kubelwagen, Nazi Germany's answer to the American Jeep, with Ferdinand Porche's original flat-bottomed body discarded for a unified 'bodytub' developed by Erwin Komenda, one of Porche's top body design men. Although this change compromised the Schwimmwagen's off-road capabilities, the flat bottom would put the center of gravity on the vehicle too high while in the water, rendering it unstable. Additionally, the overall wheel base had to be narrowed in order to accommodate the new body. With the Komenda-designed body, the 166 could operate on water while still being a serviceable off-road vehicle, seeing use on nearly every German front of the war. Although the Type 166 holds the distinction of being the most produced amphibious vehicle in automotive history, with over 15,000 rolling off the lines between 1941 and 1944, very few have survived to today, with less than 200 known to still exist in any condition, and as few as 13 in an original state. Measuring approximately 13 1/3 feet long from the raised propeller to the front bumper and 5 feet wide from side rail to side rail, this reproduction of the Type 166 was built using a combination of original Volkswagen components and American fabricated parts, with the majority of the body structure constructed from steel and fiberglass, with a mixed brown and green camouflage paint job applied over the surface. The interior features a set of four steel bucket seats with padded canvas covers, a pair of clamping brackets for weapons storage, and a convertible canvas roof which links to the folding windshield. The wheels are outfitted with a set of 'GELANDE' tires, with a fifth mounted in the spare position on the front. A set of blackout hoods are mounted onto the headlights, with pintel-style weapon mounts at the front and rear passenger side corners of the vehicles. At the rear of the vehicle is a 10 inch diameter 3-bladed propeller, which is hinged to be pulled up when the vehicle is traveling on land and dropped just before entering the water. The engine is a repurposed Volkswagen 1600cc engine.

Very good overall, with some minor wear on the exterior paint, and light cracking on the leather straps securing the roof and propeller. Engine runs fine and is very drivable. A fine demonstrative example of one of the key Axis Powers vehicles of the Second World War, which would be a great representative piece in a military vehicle collection or a sure-fire head turner at a car show. Please note that this reproduction Type 166 is a fully titled automobile, but the craftsman responsible for producing it instructs the successful bidder not to take it into the water.