If you’re a fan of classic cars with a story, the Type 87 ‘Kommandeurwagen’ is one of those rare gems that instantly grabs your attention. Sometimes called the Type 98 ‘Kriegskafer,’ this little vehicle is basically a military Beetle with a serious twist.
Here’s the scoop: the Type 87 was built during World War II, primarily for German officers who needed something tougher than your average car but still compact and reliable. It’s basically a Volkswagen Beetle body on the outside, but underneath, it’s a whole different beast. Thanks to its four-wheel-drive system borrowed from the Schwimmwagen (an amphibious vehicle), it could handle rough terrain like a champ. Perfect for wartime conditions.
Now, about where it was made—most of these cars rolled out of the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg. But there’s some interesting chatter about a few being built by Porsche in Stuttgart around 1943. From what I’ve gathered, Porsche did produce a handful of prototypes or early versions before Wolfsburg took over full production. So, your info about the 1943 Porsche connection sounds spot on, though the majority of the cars were Wolfsburg-built.
Only a few hundred of these cars were ever made, which makes finding an unrestored original a real treat for collectors and history buffs alike. It’s not just a car; it’s a rolling piece of history that shows how engineering and necessity came together in a unique way during a turbulent time.
So, if you ever get the chance to see a genuine unrestored Type 87 Kommandeurwagen, take a moment to appreciate the story behind it—a Beetle with military roots, built for command and adventure.
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