Loosely translated, Jagdwagen is German for “a whale’s vagina.”
Scratch that. We’re thinking of San Diego.
Jagdwagen roughly translates to “hunting car.”
Developed to serve as the German Army’s version of a Jeep or Land Rover, the Porsche 597 Jagdwagen was limited to a run of just 71 units before DKW Munga acquired its production contract in order to meet the military’s needs.
With an independent front and rear suspension as well as a flat underbody, the lightweight 4×4 features a doorless design that can seat four or five, a reduced wheelbase and high sills that give its buoyant body some degree of amphibious capabilities.
Thanks to a five-speed gearbox powered by a rear-mounted Porsche 356 engine packing approximately 50 HP, the 597 Jagdwagens are capable of hitting speeds approaching 65 MPH.
And at least one of the 49 Jagdwagens that were built for civilian use is hitting the auction block. A vehicle that’s been used sparingly in recent years, Bonhams will be selling this 1957 Jagdwagen at the Goodwood Revival on September 10th, with an estimated hammer price of $225k-$265k.
Hey, we said hunting car. Not bargain-hunting car.
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