Land, Water, and History: 1944 VW Schwimmwagen Showcases World War II Innovation

FORT WORTH, TX, June 02, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Blurring the line between land cruiser and watercraft, the 1944 Volkswagen Type 166 Schwimmwagen stands as one of the most intriguing pieces of World War II engineering.

Finished in beige and built for amphibious military use, this highly specialized vehicle combines off-road capability with waterborne function—complete with a retractable propeller and rudder-style front wheels.

Developed from the Kübelwagen and designed by Porsche engineer Erwin Komenda, the Schwimmwagen featured a unitized steel tub and was capable of traversing both rugged terrain and open water. Approximately 14,200 were built between 1942 and 1944, making it the most mass-produced amphibious vehicle in history. This example was refurbished in Germany in the 1980s and retains the ability to engage all four wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, two-speed transfer case, and locking front and rear differentials.

“There’s nothing else quite like the Schwimmwagen—it’s mechanical ingenuity with a purpose,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “From the battlefield to the museum floor, it tells a story of resourcefulness and engineering brilliance.”

Power is delivered by an air-cooled flat-four engine, reportedly a 36-horsepower long block from the 1950s, equipped with period-style shrouds and an air cleaner. The odometer shows approximately 27,000 kilometers (~17,000 miles). For water operation, a retractable propeller connects directly to the engine crankshaft, while steering is handled by the front wheels functioning as rudders.

The Schwimmwagen’s cabin features removable wooden floor panels, forward-hinged steel-frame seats with tan vinyl covers, and space for four occupants. Additional military features include rear portal axles and a snorkel-like air intake mounted above the engine.

Displayed among more than 200 vehicles in the Ron Sturgeon Collection, the 1944 VW Schwimmwagen serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between history, necessity, and automotive design.

About Ron Sturgeon
The visionary behind DFW Car & Toy Museum has been a dedicated car collector for over 30 years. His passion for automobiles began in his teenage years when he taught himself to repair Volkswagens, eventually leading to a successful career in the automotive industry. From building one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country to restoring and collecting classic and exotic cars, Ron’s love for all things automotive has never wavered.

About DFW Car & Toy Museum
DFW Car and Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s collecting automobile toys and cars. Until recently, it was in Haltom City, TX, and its website DFW Elite Toy Museum is still the go-to source for toy and car lovers worldwide. The museum is now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. (at Meacham and I35w) The new facility is 150,000 square feet with free parking & admission. It promises an entertaining visit. They offer secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs, board meetings etc. The museum is also dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 am- 6:00 pm, visit the museum’s website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

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