Any more info on this 5th wheel system ??

[retrovan]

The VW experts may be able to help here.

Is this VW or Saab

Any body got more info please.



Herman

[Dawie]

Doubt that its VW based.
Some interesting 5th-wheel efforts out there.
Aircooled but not VW:

Different approach:

Some more:



Bottom 3 pictures are/is same vehicle .

[eben]

The VW experts may be able to help here.

Is this VW or Saab

Any body got more info please.



Herman

You got it from here?

[retrovan]

Yes, but no Info of what it is, someone should know, somewhere.........

The speculation is that its a VW pan, but this is unlikely as there is no place for the motor out back.

Unless its a total one off, the engine should be in front.

The nose would give info, and to me it looks Saab, windscreen , not so much.

Well maybe someone out there will know.

Herman

[Dawie]

On 5th wheel trailer, the pin would normally not be right at the front, but spaced a bit backwards. To enable combination to turn without trailer hitting cab. Meaning that on this towing vehicle hook ends up behind rear axle line. Trying to lift front, so it needs plenty of wheight in front to offset. Indeed picture shows plenty of overhang in front.

VW transaxle setup might just fit if flipped around, (engine pointing forward "mid engine" style). Although air intake would be right against seat. If so, one would have expected designer/builder to move driver's seat and door openings much forward.

Beetle chassis would have been unpractical.(Rear torsion tube and frame tunnel in the way).

Early beetle headlights, at the time, were commonly availabe "universal Bosch/Hella type". Also used by various other vehicles and specialist coachbuilt companies. (Magirus Rundhauber trucks), Many coachbuilt buses, etc.

That's why i think it's more likely to be specially built and front engined. (Searched and ounly found this identical picture elsewhere on net).

[retrovan]

Totally agree with you Dawie,

Was thinking if someone recognizes the air vent, or the front windscreen, or the bonnet, it would help to Google the right make of car.

The body would seem to be Fiberglass, but I would think that they would use an existing bonnet and not make one from scratch.

My zoom is not clear to see the name on the side, would think its the body makers name, the area around the light has a Porsche type of look.

Your input please guys........

Herman

[retrovan]

Here is the old factory tour train...



And train for Expo 58.....



Herman