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Volkswagen Type 166 (Schwimmwagen)

Amphibious Military Vehicle 1942–1944 25 hp Petrol (Air-cooled)

The Volkswagen Type 166 Schwimmwagen ('swimming car') is the world's most-produced amphibious car — 14,265 units built for the Wehrmacht in 1942–1944, using the Kübelwagen/Type 1 platform with a propeller and watertight hull for river and waterway crossings.

14,265

Total Production

1942–1944

Production Period

25 hp

Engine Power

Amfibiya

Special Feature

Overview

The Volkswagen Type 166 Schwimmwagen ("swimming car") is an amphibious military vehicle produced for the Wehrmacht during World War II. 14,265 units were produced between 1942–1944 — the most produced amphibious car in history. It used the Kübelwagen (Type 82) / Beetle (Type 1) platform. It was equipped with an air-cooled 1,131cc flat-four engine and an independent rear four-wheel suspension system.

For movement on water, a three-bladed propeller was lowered to the rear of the body — this propeller provided a speed of 10 km/h during river crossings. The land speed was 80 km/h. Excellent manoeuvrability: 4x4 all-wheel drive (for land), amphibious (for water). Used on all fronts from the Eastern Front to North Africa.

Today, the Type 166 Schwimmwagen is an extremely rare collector's car. Fewer than 100 examples remain in the world. Its existence in Azerbaijan is extremely rare — if available, it would sell at international collector prices. Its historical significance is great for military history museums and collectors.

Type 166 in Pictures

VW Type 166 Schwimmwagen (1942–1944) — world's most produced amphibious car

Schwimmwagen retractable propeller — folds down for water crossing

Key Specifications

Engine: Air-cooled flat-four 1,131cc, 25 hp at 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual with 4-wheel drive
Drive: 4x4 all-wheel drive (switchable)
Body: Amphibious open-top military vehicle
Wheelbase: 2,000 mm
Land speed: ~80 km/h
Water speed: ~10 km/h (3-bladed retractable propeller)
Production: 14,265 units (1942–1944)
Platform: Shared with Kübelwagen Type 82 / Beetle Type 1

Variant Comparison

Variant	Powertrain	Power	0–100 km/h	Best For
Type 166 Standard	Air-cooled flat-4, 1,131cc, 25 hp, 4MT 4x4	25 hp	N/A (military vehicle)	WWII military amphibious transport; river crossings; swamp areas; historical collection

Competitor Snapshot

Model	Strength	Compromise
Ford GPA (Seep)	American manufacture; larger capacity; Willys Jeep platform; 8,000+ units produced	Schwimmwagen is more compact; more manoeuvrable; more produced (14,265 vs ~8,000); unique VW platform
Kübelwagen Type 82	Same platform; lighter; faster; more widely used for land military transport	Schwimmwagen has water crossing capability — Kübelwagen lacks this ability; the amphibious feature is unique

Ownership Cost Estimator (Azerbaijan)

Annual distance (km)Fuel consumption (L/100km)Fuel price ($/L)Annual service budget ($)Annual insurance ($)Annual tire/wheel budget ($)

Annual fuel use: 120.0 L/year
Annual fuel cost: $90
Total annual ownership estimate: $3890
Average monthly ownership estimate: $324

Extremely rare historical vehicle — professional restoration specialists are required. Spare parts are almost non-existent — custom-manufactured parts are used.
Regular checking of body waterproofing is essential for the amphibious function (water crossing). Test that the propeller mechanism operates correctly.

Maintenance & Service in Azerbaijan

Restoration is an extremely complex technical undertaking. WWII-era German military engine specialists are required. Specialised restoration workshops in this field exist around the world.

Used Buying Checklist — Type 166

Check the body waterproofing — of critical importance for the amphibious function.
Confirm authenticity documents (VIN, engine number) — determines collector value.
Test the folding/lowering of the propeller mechanism — mechanical failure completely disables the amphibious function.

Volkswagen Type 166 FAQ — Azerbaijan Buyers

Q: How much is a Schwimmwagen worth?

At international collector auctions, a fully restored Schwimmwagen can sell for $100,000–$500,000+. The number of remaining examples in the world is very small (fewer than 100). The existence of this vehicle in Azerbaijan is an extremely rare occurrence.

Q: Was the Schwimmwagen built for military or civilian use?

The Schwimmwagen was produced exclusively for the Wehrmacht (German Armed Forces) — no civilian version was ever produced. After the war ended, some examples were acquired by private individuals. Today it is only used as a collection and museum vehicle.

Should You Buy? — Volkswagen Type 166

Only for military history collectors — extremely rare, high historical value, daily use not possible.

The Volkswagen Type 166 Schwimmwagen is one of the most unique pieces of automotive history. With fewer than 100 examples remaining in the world, this vehicle is an extremely rare collector's item. Finding this vehicle in Azerbaijan is almost impossible. If found, it would sell at a very high price according to international price standards. Only military history enthusiasts and specialised collectors should consider this model.