Based on the concepts of designer Hannes Tripple, and his Type 2SG 6 amphibious pioneer vehicle, in 1940 Professor Ferdinand Porsche began the development of an amphibian his own. His first vehicle was basically a sealed body Kübelwagen, with a propeller shaft added to the rear and the addition of all wheel drive. This prototype was designated Type 128/1. By the time the 128/5 appeared, what we come to recognize as a schwimmwagen was born. The production version of the 128 retained Kübelwagen style seats and all weather side curtains. By the end of 1941 30 Type 128 vehicles had been delivered to army pioneer units. In 1941 further development on the type 128 was requested by the SS-Führungshauptamt to replace their reconnaissance motorcycles /sidecars. This refinement of the design resulted in the type 166. A total of 14,276 type 166s were produced by wars end, the first 125 by Porsche, the remainder by Volkswagen (Drivers Wanted!). A full build article is available in Military Minitures in Review, Issue 37. This build won Best German Vehicle at AMPS East 2004.
Click a Thumbnail to see a larger Image All Images Copyright 2005 John F. Steinman, DMD. |
