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Do I love the internet. I thought I’d seen every old VW oddity, but doing a google image search for “VW pickup” brings up this gem. I knew that in the early days the VW factory built a number of specialized vehicles to transport bodies and things around the grounds. But this goose neck fifth wheel trailer rig hauling another Beetle takes the cake. Another VW view of the same Volksamino follows:
Keep in mind that the VW engine made 25 hp at the time. But if the gearing is low enough, anything can be moved. And who was in a hurry in 1946?
15 Comments on “1946 VW Beetle Factory Pickup With Fifth Wheel Car Hauling Trailer Discovered...”
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I like it…. a lot
I don’t. To me, the front and rear are just so at odds with each other. But a GIS for “VW pickup” does indeed bring up some odd birds.
I can’t believe you found this Volkscamino before Jalopnik did.
I’d take one with a snow plow for my drive.
… and maybe a mower deck for lawn work.
Regarding the gooseneck — is the trailer hitched to the top of the motor? Cuz, last time I looked, that’s about where Ye Olde Aircooled lump goes.
Yeah no kidding! It’s a motor-mounted 5th wheel Volkscamino.
No, it’s well ahead of the engine, where the rear seat might have been instead.
Where is the engine?
In the usual location, at the very rear, below the bed, where the cooling louvers are.
A small block Chevy will fit
Wicked cool.
I’m sure it had a better repair history than today’s VW trucks.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/23926/volkswagen-robust-utility-at-the-melbourne-motor-show/
I like it, and especially the ground clearance.
With diesel versions of the New Beetle going relatively cheaply used, I’ve imagined turning one into a squareback or trucklet.
I built an Electric VW Pickup. It was a 1972 vw beetle and It took 2 years. I recently found this site and I am dumbfounded to see my creatation is so close to the 1946 VW Truck. I call mine an e-Trug Voltswagon. 15kw of power 30-40 mile range.