In 1942 Germany, Volkswagen’s lineup reflected shifting priorities as civilian designs were adapted for military roles and limited production runs. The year’s models give a focused view of how engineering and logistics responded to wartime demands across a small set of types.
There are 6 1942 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from KdF-Wagen (Type 1) to Type 87 Kommandeurwagen. For each entry the data are organized with Role,Production 1942 (units),Key specs so you can compare intended use, output and technical highlights; you’ll find these details below.
Which 1942 Volkswagen model likely had the largest production run?
Contemporary records and later research point to the KdF-Wagen (Type 1) as the most-produced platform in that period, though wartime priorities shifted many assemblies to military variants; the table below shows the best-available unit counts for 1942 so you can see exact figures and compare roles.
How reliable are production figures for 1942 Volkswagen models?
Numbers from 1942 are uneven—some factory logs survive, others were lost or conflated with military records—so published totals are best estimates compiled from archives and specialist studies; the Role,Production 1942 (units),Key specs columns reflect the most credible sources available.
1942 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Role | Production 1942 (units) | Key specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 82 Kübelwagen | Military light utility and personnel carrier. | 12,165 | 985cc; rear-engine, RWD; 80 km/h |
| KdF-Wagen (Type 1) | Military and government official staff car. | 842 | 985cc; rear-engine, RWD; 100 km/h |
| Type 82E | Two-wheel-drive, off-road capable military staff car. | 564 | 985cc; rear-engine, RWD; 80 km/h |
| Type 166 Schwimmwagen | Amphibious four-wheel-drive military reconnaissance vehicle. | 511 | 1,131cc; rear-engine, 4WD; 80 km/h (land) |
| Type 87 Kommandeurwagen | All-wheel-drive military command and staff car. | Extremely limited | 1,131cc; rear-engine, 4WD; 80 km/h |
| Type 230 | Prototype wood-gas powered vehicle for fuel conservation. | Prototypes / extremely limited | 985cc (Holzbrenner); rear-engine, RWD; ~70 km/h |
Images and Descriptions
Type 82 Kübelwagen
The workhorse of Volkswagen’s wartime production, the Kübelwagen was a simple, rugged, and reliable vehicle used by the German military. Its lightweight design and dependable air-cooled engine made it highly effective in diverse environments, from the Russian winter to the North African desert.
KdF-Wagen (Type 1)
This is the original “Beetle,” but civilian production was halted for the war. In 1942, a small number were assembled exclusively for military and Nazi party officials. These cars served as staff vehicles and are the direct ancestors of the famous postwar Beetle.
Type 82E
A smart wartime hybrid, the Type 82E combined the standard KdF-Wagen body with the high-clearance, rugged chassis of the Kübelwagen. This created a durable staff car that looked civilian but performed better than the standard model on the poor roads near the front lines.
Type 166 Schwimmwagen
One of the most remarkable vehicles of the war, the amphibious Schwimmwagen entered production in late 1942. It could drive on land and, with its retractable rear propeller engaged, navigate rivers and lakes, making it a superb reconnaissance and utility vehicle.
Type 87 Kommandeurwagen
The ultimate wartime “Beetle,” the Type 87 was a rare 4×4 version featuring the KdF-Wagen body with the advanced drivetrain of the Schwimmwagen. A handful were built starting in 1942, primarily for high-ranking officers in demanding theaters like North Africa.
Type 230
Developed to combat extreme gasoline shortages, the Type 230 was a KdF-Wagen modified to run on wood gas. While it never saw mass production, this innovative prototype demonstrated the adaptability of the VW engine to alternative fuels during a time of crisis.
