The type 166 entered large-scale production in Wolfsburg (or "Stadt des KdF-Wagens", city of the Strenght Trough Joy car). The production model, this is the "VW-Schwimmwagen" we know today, possessed a wheelbase which was 40 cm shorter than the earlier type 128. Also the vehicle's width had been reduced by 10cm. There were some small body modifications done as a result of the army-tests. The tow hooks for example got reinforcements. Now it was powered by the same 1131-cm3 engine installed in the Kubelwagen from 1943.
In the water the engine drove a three-bladed propeller at the rear of the Schwimmwagen. The type 166 was very popular, mainly because of the off-road capabilities thanks to the 4wheel drive. However, its amphibious capability was rarely used in action.
In World War 2 the Schwimmwagen had lifespan of only 6 weeks.
The production stopped in 1944, because of the large number of man-hours involved in the production and the high material usage.
In 1945 and 1946, the British built 6 Schwimmwagens. They used the spareparts that were left at the factory.
It is supposed there were about 15.000 Schwimmwagens built.
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