Equipment
Paddles, shovel, shielded blackout headlight, later 1300cc VW engine. Owned by the present family since 1947 and restored in 1994 to nearly like new condition. One of exceedingly few survivors. Its useful to keep in mind that WWII military vehicles, whether Axis or Allied, were built with an expected life of only a few months, if that. Survivorship, particularly of Axis units, is amazing. This Schwimmwagen, with its outdrive propeller that drops into place for fording then swings back up out of the way on the road, is amazing. Condition is largely irrelevant beyond the fact that its all there and it runs.
Market commentary
The Monaco bidders clearly thought this Schwimmwagen was as marvelous as I did, bidding it to 10,000 Euros beyond the high estimate. In concept it beats the heck of of the Amphicar. The outdrive propeller is much more sensible than the Amphicars fixed props and the doorless unit body is both more watertight and stiffer on the road. If it cost a quarter million dollars, so what