A Modern Barn Find: Discovering Three Iconic German WWII Military Vehicles

Few discoveries generate as much excitement among military vehicle enthusiasts as an authentic "barn find." Hidden away for decades, untouched by time and rarely seen by the public, these remarkable finds offer a fascinating glimpse into military history and the engineering of the Second World War.

In our latest YouTube video, we take a look at a modern-day barn find featuring three of the most recognisable German military vehicles of the Second World War: a Volkswagen Schwimmwagen, a Volkswagen Kübelwagen, and an NSU Kettenkrad.

While this video serves as an introduction to these incredible vehicles, we'll soon be releasing a series of dedicated videos exploring each one in much greater detail.

The Volkswagen Schwimmwagen

Developed during the Second World War, the Volkswagen Type 166 Schwimmwagen remains one of the most innovative military vehicles ever produced. Designed as a lightweight amphibious vehicle, it was capable of operating both on land and in water, making it particularly valuable during reconnaissance missions and river crossings.

Powered by a rear-mounted Volkswagen engine and fitted with a retractable propeller, the Schwimmwagen combined practicality with remarkable engineering. Today, surviving original examples are among the most desirable and collectible German military vehicles in the world.

The Volkswagen Kübelwagen

Instantly recognisable for its simple yet effective design, the Volkswagen Kübelwagen (Type 82) became the standard light utility vehicle of the German Wehrmacht throughout the war.

Built to perform across a wide variety of terrains, the Kübelwagen was valued for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and lightweight construction. Despite lacking four-wheel drive, its innovative engineering enabled it to perform exceptionally well in difficult conditions, from the deserts of North Africa to the harsh winters of the Eastern Front.

Today, original Kübelwagens are highly sought after by collectors, museums, and military vehicle enthusiasts for their historical significance and distinctive appearance.

The NSU Kettenkrad

Perhaps the most unusual of the three vehicles is the NSU Kettenkrad (Sd.Kfz. 2), a unique combination of motorcycle and tracked vehicle.

Originally designed for airborne troops, the Kettenkrad offered exceptional off-road capability while remaining compact enough to be transported by aircraft. It was later employed in a variety of roles, including towing artillery, laying communications cables, transporting supplies, and supporting frontline operations.

Its distinctive design continues to make it one of the most recognisable military vehicles of the Second World War and a favourite among collectors worldwide.

Why Barn Finds Matter

Original military vehicles are far more than machines—they are surviving pieces of history. Every dent, repair, and modification tells part of the story of the people who operated them during one of history's most significant conflicts.

Barn finds are particularly important because they often preserve original features that may have been lost during restoration or decades of civilian use. For historians, restorers, and collectors alike, discoveries such as these provide invaluable insight into wartime manufacturing, engineering, and preservation.

More to Come

This latest video is just the beginning.

Over the coming weeks, we'll be releasing dedicated, in-depth videos examining each of these remarkable vehicles individually. We'll explore their history, design, original features, wartime service, and the details that make every surviving example unique.

If you have an interest in WWII German military vehicles, Volkswagen Schwimmwagens, Kübelwagens, Kettenkrads, or military history in general, be sure to keep an eye on our YouTube channel for future episodes.

We're looking forward to taking a much closer look at each of these extraordinary vehicles and sharing their stories with you.