Ultimate Garage Find - Himmler's Car

On 4th May 1945, US forces captured Berchtesgaden, the Bavarian town where many Nazi leaders maintained homes. One of the houses captured belonged to Heinrich Himmler, leader of the SS. In the garage, GIs made an astounding discovery - a stunning armoured limousine used by Himmler when he lived at the house.
Special thanks to the following kind people for sharing photographs with me: Pierre Begley; Noah Simonis; Eduardo Ludi; Daniele Secci; Christoph Seidel; Claussrk95; Bert Terpstra; Timothy Cox; Thomas Gase; Admir Memic; Mike Long; Andrew Stacer; Chris Randazzo; Kalle Max Zebisch; Matej Srb; Daniel Schill; Eric Winkler; Johannes Koch
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
Help support my channel:
www.paypal.me/markfeltonprodu...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: The National Archives; Library of Congress

[@peterward5538]

It would be pretty cool to have a full length history audiobook narrated by Mark Felton. He is an excellent narrator, isn’t he.

[@alexhuxley3355]

Probably earns more money doing this - 2M subscribers

[@rdbchase]

To pose a question, punctuate with a question mark (?).

[@agentmueller]

War Stories is exactly that. Him narrating his books. Although not full length, still huge passages

[@VladimirVladimirovich1952]

@@rdbchase you’ll get over it, prude.

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

He has written many books though. And like another mentioned, he has the podcast/story secondary channel as well. Took me a while to get into them without the visuals, but the stories are much more in depth

[@pac1fic055]

The Sinsheim museum is an obligatory stop for anyone interested in civilian or military vehicles. It’s no doubt one of the greatest museums of its type in the world.

[@bugsygoo]

Aargghhh! I spent two weeks in Heidelberg last summer and now I hear about it 😭

[@greyone40]

Just seeing some of the items in the background makes me want to learn more.

[@shawnmiller4781]

Not visiting There and the Mercedes’ museum are my two biggest regrets from my two year tour in Germany

[@Bruh86568]

@@greyone40 You can go inside an freaking concorde, which is displayed there.

[@Magicmaetti]

Don't overlook the Technik-Museum in Munich. ☝It is mindblowing, you can spend days there. 🤯

[@thejudgmentalcat]

I love seeing people of the internet banding together to keep history alive 👏

[@andrebartels1690]

I've seen these cars in the Sinsheim museum in real life. The video doesn't get anywhere close to show how huge these vehicles are. Especially the grey car with three axles in the end is a behemoth. As a grown man I could hardly look over the giant grille in its front. If I recall correctly, the wheels of these things are between 0.80 meters to 1 meter in diameter, and the head lights are the size of a human's head. They're a sight to behold.

[@louise_rose]

In the early 1950s Lawrence Durrell, the author, was a diplomat at the British embassy in Belgrade, and in a funny private letter (included in the collection "Spirit of Place") he recounted how he had bought a parade car alleged to have belonged to none other than Göring. "It has two horns, one bass and one tenor. It is an ideal Poet's Car, for it guzzles serious amounts of petrol and is unsuitable for anything but making triumphant entries into a city". Unfortunately he probably had to leave it behind when he left Yugoslavia for Cyprus a few years later.

[@kallo182]

Damit hast Du vollkommen Recht. Man kann Dinge nicht auf Foto oder Video festhalten. Die Dinge sehen in der Realität komplett anders aus. Ich erinnere mich, als ich in den 90ern als Kind, zum ersten Mal ein in einem Automagazin ein Foto von einer Corvette C2 gesehen habe. Ich dachte mir damals: "Was ist das für ein häßliches Ding, sieht Furchtbar aus". Als ich dann einige jahre später, eine C2 in der Realität gesehen habe, musste ich meine Meinung komplett revidieren. Die C2 sieht in der Realität komplett anders aus, sehr Ehrfürchtig und Brachial.

[@PortCharmers]

It's more like a truck with a car body on top. It's weird when men insecure about their size compensate by driving enormous cars, which make them look even tinier. That being said, it is a paradox often noted in Germany that Hitler himself didn't even have a "Führerschein" (driver's license; "Führer" can mean "leader", but also guide or operator of all sorts of machinery).

[@BrainFuck10]

Talk about behemoth those giant engines in the background are enormous!

[@crowdog56]

@@louise_rose Extra points for this bit of Lit. history. You must like Durrell even more than me!

[@wcarcass]

Doctor Felton could do a video about the hinges used in the Reich Chancellery’s windows and it would be well documented, researched and interesting. Love your videos.

[@raypurchase801]

Mark could narrate the phone book and I'd listen.

[@gbcb8853]

Or even talk extensively about the many oar rests on the Nazi leaders’ rowing boats. He could talk a load of rowlocks and it would be fascinating.

[@bbeezer1459]

Well said !.....Lol....😂

[@tonvanstaveren101]

8:43

[@yukon065]

Mark, I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy these videos. You really bring parts of history to life that most of us would normally never be aware of. Thank you so much!

[@robotorch]

It's near Thanksgiving in America. So many of us are thankful for Dr. Mark Felton. I first discovered this channel during the 2020 onslaught of COVID, stuck at home working on my laptop. It brightened my world then and continues to do so. Thanks Doc.

[@frontenac5083]

"Onslaught"? LOL! How on earth did you manage to get "stuck" in your home? Did you lock yourself in and lost the key?

[@mkkuusisto6222]

Some of Dr. Felton's documentaries are interesting. If we were living in a free world in its very meaning, history would have been written for the most part in a very different way, for instance the history of the first and the second world war and the Bolshevik revolution in Russia when thinking about the near history. Of course history is always written by the ruling power and history of wars by winners. My awakening concerning who is ruling the world happened in 2015, when Europe was flooding with immigrants or refugees or whatever you want to call them. Talking about Germany; when Germany lost the 2. world war, it has been under alien control. The Germans have no say in the destiny of their own country. Even though Great Britain and the US were winners of the last world war, the same goes with them nowadays - as for the rest of the western world. As you Americans say, follow the money ... and you realize the truth, who is ruling and whom you are not allowed to criticize. Maybe this is gibberish to you, but more and more people are awakening, why are we living in the ugly and unjust world, which is becoming uglier day by day before its collapse.

[@BigHickory357]

I met a man years ago who was a ww2 vet. He had actually stayed in Himmlers home, and slept in hi.mlers bed.. he had PERSONAL PHOTO ALMBUMS of Himmlers. I saw actual pics of Hitler, Hitler, Goering and others they were all private pics... was awesome to meet and talk to the guy.

[@tonymcdonnly6492]

Dr. Felton you never stop to amaze me with unknown WWII historical facts. Keep teaching us your wealth of knowledge.

[@brick6347]

The Germans sure made lovely cars. I'd be hard pressed to think of a Soviet car I'd want to own (or even drive).

[@matthewcaughey8898]

Lada Niva. They’re virtually unstoppable. Sure they’re not the most reliable or powerful car around but it’s the only 4wd small car that could get you home in 10 inches of snow and a blizzard

[@binaway]

@@matthewcaughey8898 The Niva sold well in Australia to people who wanted a small, reliable and cheep vehicle to get through the bush where it's paintwork would be badly scratched.

[@vipe1552]

In Soviet Russia, the car drives you!

[@KonradvonHotzendorf]

Lada. Refuses to die

[@KonradvonHotzendorf]

But I am 1/8 east 🇩🇪 so Trabbi

[@svetlanamandic9785]

Interesting video, I also think it would be interesting if you made a video about Magda Goebbels as the unofficial first lady of the Third Reich. Her story is worth telling.

[@robertsettle2590]

Already been addressed!!!

[@-NINE-THREE-]

Why such persistent interest in a N A Z I ????

[@bahoonies]

​@-NINE-THREE- Why not? After all, the nazis did leave an indelible mark on world history which should never be forgotten nor forgiven.

[@FambosYootos]

​@@-NINE-THREE-why are you even here ffs lol.

[@terryvallis1436]

History! To learn from and never to repeat!

[@larsrons7937]

_Egholm Slot_ & now Museum, I grew up in the nearby village of _Biltris_ and visited the museum last august. _Egholm Museum_ has an impressive amount of WWII objects on exhibition, incl. _Heydrich's_ car, as well as a fine small arms collection. The museum also house a large and interesting exhibiton about Danish resistance during the WWII German occupation. I very much recommend the museum. Transport can be tricky, the nearest bus stop is in _Biltris_ a couple of of kms away. Mark Felton recently made a video about this Heydrich's car, the one from the assassination incident.

[@steverosario5962]

It's always a good day when you start it with a Mark Felton video!

[@lukeskywalker1840]

If anybody ever deserves their own television show, it’s Mark. This content is so much better than anything. I see on the history channel or anything else.

[@simonturner5450]

I can understand the reticence of the first soldiers to go into the buildings given the risk of Bobby traps. A friend of mine fought the Germans through Italy and told of bunches of grapes on the vine with wires linked to a hand grenade and a flight of steps up to a former chateau where one of the five steps was linked to a mine. They were at the chateau for four days before an unlucky soldier trod on the wrong step. Devious and demoralising it was hard going even for a drill sergeant like my friend Tom, brave lads all of them,

[@harriettanthony7352]

The Germans were amateurs at booby traps! "Luke the Gook" in Viet Nam holds the Prize--says this Viet Nam veteran

[@setoredan]

Always loved the look of those Mercedes during those years. One of those wild fanciful dreams to be able to own one from the 30's.

[@muskokamike127]

specially the 500K...what a piece of art.

[@ABC1701A]

Beautiful cars

[@hassyg4083]

especially the 3x3

[@pauld6967]

Good to see that people were able to help you Mark in getting photos. It has been many years since I visited Obersalzberg. It was nice to have this reminder of how scenic it is.

[@M1903a4]

I never cease to be amazed at the fascinating historic tidbits you turn up, and the excellent way you present them to us. I'm always looking forward to what you will come up with next. 😀

[@SunKing968]

LOVE the car content always, THANKS MARK!

[@pjaw8226]

Fascinating episode Mark - thanks for the upload! May I ask will you be at some stage covering the Black Orchestra and/or other individuals who attempted to assassinate Hitler, such as Maurice Bavaud and Johann Georg Elser? I along with many other subscribers (I'd imagine) would thoroughly enjoy your in depth analysis on such aspects! Cheers

[@cruisingforone]

Glad you were able to get some excellent photos of the car. Thanks for another world class video.

[@korbell1089]

Mark Felton: "By souvenir hungry GIs!" Ernie Pyle: "British fight for their homes, the Germans fight for glory and the Americans fight for souvenirs."

[@garylawson5381]

Thanks again Mark Felton Productions for another uniquely interesting documentary video. Dr Felton is the man!

[@fgaviator]

The "Technikmuseum Sinsheim" and its sister museum in Speyer are absolutely worth a visit - when you are in the area (next to Heidelberg). Fascinating collection - ground/air/space/rail/water vehicles of any kind...

[@Mike57105]

Thank you Dr Felton for another wonderful episode.

[@PP-ob8zr]

Excellent video Mark. Thank you very much...tons of interesting and hard to find info. 😊👍🏻 Luv all the old and new photos both historic and modern day.

[@craigmorgan8493]

Another thoroughly enjoyable and well researched Felton offering! 👍

[@nematolvajkergetok5104]

Auto und Technik Museum Sinsheim is an extraordinary museum, and should be on top of the list of anyone travelling to Southern Germany. The aviation museum of Speyer isn't far, and I can similarly recommend it. Both are worth spending a whole day there, so if you're serious, book an Airbnb in Mannheim.

[@faustwatsche]

Good to see a documentary that also talks about Martin Bormann - a figure often overlooked by historians, but extremely powerful. Speers Memoirs describe the vast areas of power he hold.

[@guylelanglois6642]

Thanks again for another job well done. Your research is second to none sir.

[@johnelliott7375]

As always as good as he is, he always comes home and up with best of history and facts as straight forward as it could be told except for being there!

[@punishernation436]

Dr Felton would you consider doing a video on Hitlers 50th birthday. It was apparently a huge event country wide and i believe very interesting and you could definitely add much to it. Cheers

[@FERNANDOGONZALEZ-pb6re]

Another fine segment sir,I thank you very much.

[@rayc2680]

2 Million subs 😮 Congratulations and thank you for the best content on KZbin.

[@JoseC888888]

As always, Dr Felton well researched stories are fascinating.

[@SteppingWelshie]

Fantastic ! I desperately needed a video today ! Been a rough one

[@irish3335]

Another great one, thanks Dr Felton!

[@nodarkthings]

Absolutely fascinating, Dr. Felton. Thank you.

[@stephenloy3535]

those cars are engineering masterpieces,,despite sometimes nefarious ownerships.Always enjoy your work.Many thanks

[@trevmac8362]

sometimes nefarious ownerships? Hahahahaha

[@crowdog56]

Excellent and fascinating bit of history, Mr. Felton.

[@JonathanHudgins]

I mean...its a damn nice looking car.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

Thank you for sharing 💪🤗🎖️🇺🇸🏆

[@Texaslonestargal]

What a remarkable video! It’s fascinating to see the cars of the top brass still well preserved.

[@JonBlondell]

Thanks Doc, always dig the car videos!

[@marianmoses9604]

Only Dr. Mark Felton can so satisfactorily quench my endless fascination in WW2 and in classic automobiles with a single superb video! The cars shown were gorgeous pieces of automotive engineering and mesmerizing relics of the Nazi era.

[@thomasmarzec934]

Glad you got to use the pictures you wanted ! What a video

[@metalingus9997]

Thank you for all the content!

[@maxkoster3836]

Good stuff mate. Keep it up! You rock!

[@russwoodward8251]

When you've got car moxy so good you put the defrosters on the outside of the windows. There is some really great video here Dr. Felton. Many thanks for the excellent video editing and research that goes with each presentation.

[@mattgeorge90]

This is one of the best channels on KZbin!

[@georgew2229]

Love that Casey is such a big fan!

[@bmcg5296]

A stunning remarkable find and story behind it, once again by Dr.Felton. As usual a deep factual video on the car itself.

[@windycityben4850]

Hands down the best history channel!! 🙌🙌🙌

[@germany456]

One of the best History channels and great guy

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thank you, Dr. Felton!

[@awaxx7863]

Another great vid. Thx Mark.

[@utpalbasu3353]

Thanks Mark for another very interesting video.

[@reality-cheque]

Thanks for the video. I am a classic car enthusiast and was offered Himler's 540k Cabriolet. It was in an aircraft hanger near Kiev, having been 'captured' by the Russians. Its engine and gearbox had been removed and it was painted in white emulsion to stop it from rusting but it had sat at the back of the disused hanger since the 1950's. The chassis numbers had been deliberately ground off although some of the body pieces still had the Sindelfingen part numbers which cross-referenced with a 'batch' of Mercedes cars which had been delivered to the Nazi party in the late 1930's. I was unable to establish the personal provenance so I didn't buy it - the seller wanted €200,000 - and without the engine and gearbox it would have been very difficult to restore. I've lost contact with my Ukrainian friend who was acting as a middle-man but if this interests anyone, I have some pictures and can pass along his contact details. BTW, Himler's daughter lived in Munich until 2018 and showed no remorse for her father's ill-doings - quite the opposite - she operated a 'fund' to defend her father's legacy and help any Nazi's being held responsible for their crimes...

[@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563]

Gudrun died in 2018.

[@reality-cheque]

@@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563 - thanks, I was looking at Himler's car in 2017, so was not aware of her death.

[@larsrons7937]

_"Himler's daughter still lives in Munich",_ I guess that would be Nanette-Dorothea, daugther with his secretary? Gudrun, Himmler's daughter through marriage, lived in Munich but died in may 2918. As a side note Gudrun, during Himmler's visit to Copenhagen during the war, was, on official occasion(s), escorted by 8 years older Danish Nazi, war criminal and SS officer _Søren Kam._ I heard that Søren and Gudrun might even have had an affair. I guess Gudrun would have been around 14 years of age at the time. That Himmler lets Søren Kam escort - and maybe having an affair with - his young daughter show something about Kam's stading with the top SS leader. Søren Kam moved to and ended his life in Germany, never standing trial for his war crimes).

[@reality-cheque]

@@larsrons7937 Thanks - very interesting.

[@larsrons7937]

@@reality-cheque You're welcome. Btw. Reinhard Heydrich's car, the original one from his assassination, is in the _Egholm Museum_ near Roskilde in Denmark. I grew up in the nearby village 2 kms away. The museum has an impressive collection of WWII objects big and small, a very good Dansih Resistance collection, and a fine small arms collection as well. It's a bit hard to reach, nearest busstop is 2 kms away, but well worth a visit. Mark Felton made a video on this Heydrich's car, _"Top Nazi Leader's Car - Amazing Barn Find"_

[@frenchfan3368]

As far as North America, my understanding is that one of Adolf Hitler's cars is in the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and another one is in the Historic Auto Attractions Museum in Roscoe, Illinois, U. S. It is also worth noting that one of Benito Mussolini's cars is also in the Auto Attractions Museum. Good job Mark and keep up the good work!

[@alisherri77]

I was in Ottawa museum 2 weeks ago. And I was shocked. It looks straight out of war. And most importantly. Did Hitler really use this specific car? Is there any proof and where was it found ,etc. I hope Dr. Felton could do a video about it!!

[@TimMonbrod]

Always fascinating! Thanks Professor!

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Great film Mark, totally enjoyed

[@CaymanIslandsCatWalks]

The big power unit behind the cars whoa!

[@bobhill3941]

Very interesting Mark, I never knew about any of this. Thank you so much and keep up the amazing work and research as always. I enjoyed eating lunch to this.

[@Crackers2549]

Beautiful photos of these historic vehicles…. Excellent video as usual…. GG

[@predragdjuric-tt9uc]

a great very interesting video as always have a good one Mr.Felton.

[@davef.2329]

4-1/2 tonnes? Sheesh!!! Fabulous car. Thanks, Dr.

[@andik859]

And it drives 150 Kmh. Hot Rod Nazis.

[@briansilcox5720]

When given a private tour of the Technical Museum in Prague, while closed for renovation, (2007?) I was shown a collection of automobiles in storage, one of which was said to Himmler’s limousine. Very thick glass and extremely heavy doors were pointed out. The guide pointed out the all original interior ( where I was invited to sit) likely contained Himmler’s DNA. Many German held valuables were squirreled away in Prague in 1945, for safe keeping, and also some very interesting technologies. I also was shown a late development Daimler Benz DB 603L V-12 aero engine with two stage inter cooled supercharger, slated for use in Ta 152 fighter aircraft.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

You mentioned technologies, I have heard that the transistor was one of the technologies taken by the allies but have found nothing on the subject so I don't know if it's true. Would love to see the DB 603L in person.

[@lukasvass681]

Don’t remember Himmler’s car in the NTM Prague but they have K.H.Frank’s 540KP. Maybe that’s what you saw there?

[@briansilcox5720]

It’s entirely possible… although from what I know of the person who walked me through the storage areas, he would have no reason to embellish the provenance that way. Would love to visit again since renovations were complete.

[@noonehere1793]

Nice little bite of history, thanks!

[@williamespinosa9094]

Appreciate you, sir. Happy Holidays 🙌👊❤️🇺🇸

[@lazynpsychotic]

Himmler's house is now an Air BNB? 😂

[@erikguth4830]

Insane.

[@paulmoore120]

Great details as always.Thanks.

[@gertgilich3508]

Thank you Mark! Du bist ein Biscuit! Invaluable. To say the least! Love from SA!

[@d.g.n9392]

Very nice historical photos and information. Enjoyed

[@markiesmith4537]

Excellent video as usual!

[@andysvehiclehistorychannel]

Great video Mark and a very good looking car at that.

[@robertphillips6296]

Thank You for posting this and have a Happy Thanksgiving. 🦃

[@frontenac5083]

Dr Felton is British.

[@AtheistOrphan]

We don’t celebrate thanksgiving in the U.K. 🇬🇧

[@mikeperth8027]

Beautiful looking car, no doubting that.

[@pierrebegley2746]

Incredibly fascinating as always! Honestly, I was not familiar with the story of Himmler's 770K Sedan and its history.

[@user-co7dr3rl8b]

Great story as always from Mark. Beautiful looking car but I could do without the spotlights.

[@marioborkowski5894]

Thanks Dr.Felton

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Been to those museums. Well worth the trip.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Thank you for sharing this video. Definitely a classy vehicle. God bless 🙏

[@mabbrey]

top notch as always

[@Comraderob1]

History Channel running out of stuff to talk about: Alright, let's talk to the alien guy Mark Felton: I think Himmler had a car....

[@euc131]

Thanks for another informative video.

[@blackterminal]

Thanks Mark. This was interesting.

[@rancidschannel3206]

Another fascinating video

[@brentfairlie9159]

What a magnificent car.

[@kingofsnakes1000]

A new mark Felton video always makes my day better. Also has anyone else noticed that Himmler has a strong resemblance to Father Mulcahy from MASH?

[@safwanalmufty5188]

thank you for this information, really useful 👍

[@dannybeun948]

Txs 4 update 🙏

[@bejoyful]

Amazing vehicle; beautiful and strong.

[@Ayorkshiremansdailygrind]

beautiful car

[@blemonn]

Looks like I will have something to listen to on my way to work!

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Wonderful historical coverage video about the historical value car of Heinrich Himmelar

[@johnkingeef855]

As usual...brilliant.

[@jdjd6831]

Keep the great job Mark ,,,, Hi from Austin

[@romanbrough]

I once read an autobiography by a British Officer. He found himself in, I think Hamburg, in May 1945. He and his friends found dozens of abandoned staff cars. They were able to load them aboard a couple of LCTs that were going back to England empty. In the North sea they saw RN ships, and were worried that there LCTs would be searched So they dumped them all. The RN ships sailed on past with a wave He later tried to calculate the value of the cars they had dumped in through North Sea I believe, loads of stuff was brought back as souvenirs. Including, per one account, a racehorse colt.

[@SunofYork]

Looted !

[@mvl9591]

Soldiers returning to the US by ship were told they would be searched on the docks. Many souvenirs went over the side.

[@SunofYork]

@@mvl9591 Many Walmarts are closing because of souvenir collectors..... In my local Walmart, the socks are in a locked glass case.

[@stevo196two9]

@@SunofYork yeah, it’s known as black privilege in many parts of the country

[@SunofYork]

@@stevo196two9 So the American looters in Germany in 1945 were black ?

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

👍Thank you for the video.

[@Durtydave686]

When I was a young boy our family owned a 1965 220SEb. When it needed service we took it to a mechanic by the name of Rolf Hass (not sure of spelling) I was told that he was a factory mechanic for MB until they withdrew from racing in 1955. He later emigrated to the U.S. We were at his home shop and he was working on a car that was said to have been used by Hitler's ambassador to France. It was a monster! I can't imagine what it must have weighed. It was really more like a heavy truck with a limousine body. It was in nice condition. I sat in the driver's seat. It had a huge steering wheel and long gear shift. Mr. Hass explained that it had an eight cylinder supercharged engine and a five speed manual transmission. As a ten year old it left a huge impression. I remember looking at the tool kit in the rear. It was extensive. It was only missing two pieces. This would have been about 1969 or 1970. The car belonged to a collector. I never saw it again.