Hogan's Heroes!--TRUE Secrets of Gen. Burkhalter's Staff Car REVEALED! 

Where did Waldo leave the staff car?

The original Hogan's Heroes General Burkhalter's car is now in the U.K. in The Wheatcroft Collection and fully restored.

Probably in Leno’s garage. It’s worth asking. He seems to have one of everything.

I served in Germany, before Vietnam, & rode in many Mercedes Taxis, but never in a STAFF CAR. OH WELL, I did marry a red headed German Girl, 53 years ago, & I still have her!

At 59 years old I’ve always enjoyed watching Hogans’s Heroes. The Staff Car was amazing

That’s a sweet staff car. I’m 62 and still watching Hogan’s reruns.

The staff car mentioned as being in the Santa Rosa Lyon Air Museum is now in Lyon Air Museum at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. It is a 1939 Mercedes-Benz Model G4, Offener Touring Wagon, and is one of 57 produced for the German Army from 1934 to 1939. It was delivered to Fuhrer und Reichskanzler, Adolf Hitler, in August 1939. He rode it into Poland in September 1939 during the invasion, and into Paris in June 1940. It was seized by the French forces at Obersalzburg after the war concluded.

I never knew that the Staff Car was so rare. The show has been and still is one of my most-watched shows ever. Thank you for sharing this bit of trivia!

"General Burkhalter! What a surprise! What brings you to Stalag 13?" "Shut up, Klink!"

Hogan’s Heroes is one of my favorite shows from my childhood. Seeing that Staff Car brings back memories. Good video.

Very interesting video! I grew up watching Hogan's Heroes and I always thought the car was a replica made for the show. That is amazing they got one out of fifty-seven to use. Thank you for sharing!

This is great, thanks for filling me in. I've been watching the show since it's beginning and I'm now 81.

I didn’t know that the Generals STAFF CAR is still running. That is so cool

I loved watching Hogan’s Heroes when it originally aired on television, especially seeing all the different period STAFF CARS used on the show.

Hogan hero’s is one of my all-time favorite TV shows. I still watch every week night on MeTV. It’s good to know that the General’s staff car is still in use.

Been binge watching Hogan’s Heroes during the stay home request and love watching Burkhalter arrive in his stately staff car. Love the channel keep up the good work.

It's always funny seeing the big general trying to get out of that staff car!

Love watching these videos of Hogan’s Heroes, my all time favorite show, I didn’t know there was that few of these Staff Cars made!

This was a good Video, knowing about a vintage vehicle is always interesting to learn about. And being in the TV show “ Hogan Hero’s is a plus.

Mercedes W31 Type G4 Not long after getting my driver’s license in 1959 I was driving down Eastern Ave. in the SoCal town of Bell Gardens, CA and saw a friend from school, walking. I stopped and asked if he wanted a ride. He explained that he once had a newspaper route down on the south end of town and there had been an old car there that he was going to check. Since I was interested in cars I told him that I would drive him there. There was no one home when we got there but we looked around back, there was no gate or fence and there it was, an Italian blue, dual rear axle Mercedes W31 Type G4 parade car. The car was sitting under a tree in the backyard stored, top down, the blue leather upholstery had a film of dirt and bird droppings. Luger pistol holsters were sown into the side panels on each side of the car with that had three rows of seats, a front bench seat, two arm chairs in the middle and another bench seat in the back. We later contacted the lady and she said that her late husband kept it in the garage but she bought a new Plymouth after his passing had the Mercedes pushed out of the garage so she would have a place to park her new car. She explained that she would like to sell the car but hadn’t found anyone interested in buying it. She told us that the car was built for General Erwin Rommel and Rommel gave the car to Italian Air Marshall and Governor General of Libya, Italo Balbo .Balbo and Rommel reportedly hunted jackals from it in the Tunisian desert. During or shortly after WW II the car was hidden under a hay stack in North Africa where it was discovered and hauled to a MG garage in the 50’s. The carburetor and instruments were removed and sugar poured in the gas tank. It was discovered there by her husband who was in the U.S. Air Force. He bought it and had it shipped back to the United States. He got it running by cleaning the gas tank and fitting an American Rochester carburetor and according to his wife drove it to a Hollywood premier. We went back several times to visit the lady and find out more about the car. She had a scrapbook of information on the car, including Tunisian newspaper articles and picture of the car in front of a Hollywood movie theater. She wanted, as I recall, $3,500 (the price of a new Chevy). We contacted everyone we knew but couldn’t raise the money to buy it or find anyone interested in buying it. The closest I came was my brother-in-law who said, “If it is tandem rear axle, we could cut the body off and make it into a truck.” My friend John and I took pictures with a little hand written advert and posted it in the MG Mitten store in Pasadena. Other than that we lost track of the car until, after returning from Germany in 1964 my spilt rear window VW was wrecked and towed to a garage in South Gate. When I went over to pick up some books out of it there was a picture of the car on the wall. I asked the guy about it and he told me that the person who bought it took it to Tijuana and had the upholstery redone and had been renting it to movie studios. He went on to tell me the owner made enough to pay for it in the first year. The first time I saw it on screen was in the opening credits to the popular TV program Hogan’s Heroes and “The Night of the Generals” starring Peter O’Toole. After that time in the 70's my friend John saw it out the window of his office driving down an L.A. street, and chased it down to a body shop in an old gas station near 8th and Vermont where the John took the above photos. At that time the car was part of a garage full of movie rental vehicles in the hills above Tarzana, or near there in the Valley.

I am 71 years old and try to never miss Hogans Hero's . It is my favorite show since it began. The Staff Car is awesome looking and a true time capsule. Terry......

As a kid in the 60's I loved watching Hogan's Heroes. That was an interesting tidbit on the STAFF CAR. Thx!

I have always loved that staff car. Ask Jay Leno where it's at , he would probably know.

Great show back in the day. Used to watch everyday while doing homework

As much as I have seen the staff car and how cool it was in the show. I never thought I'd hear of it again.

When I was in the Air Force back in the 80’s, there was a promotional announcement for me in our newsletter and it stated: “disappointed that his promotion didn’t come with a Staff Car, Scott Blackwell was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

When I was in eight grade in southern Illinois we were having discussions about all of the immigrants and their backgrounds that made up the people in the U.S. . The teacher started talking about his own grand parents who were immigrants and then each student told of their grandparents. One student said he was encouraged by his family not to speak much about his grand parents, then the class asked him why not. He then told us that his grand parents lived in Germany during WWII and that his grandfather served in the German military. The teacher and students told him that there was nothing wrong with the fact his grandfather had served and it was certainly nothing to be ashamed of. He then told us That his grandfather served in the motor pool and was a driver to officers etc. then he told us that his grandfather was called to drive a VIP one day because the VIP’s regular driver was sick and couldn’t drive. The VIP was Adolph Hitler, and due to Hitlers drivers continued illness he was then assigned as Hitlers driver. He said some time later his grandfather was killed in an attempt on Hitlers life. This was fascinating to the teacher and of all of the class that the man who drove Adolf Hitlers car was the grandfather of our friend in a small town in southern Illinois.

Hello Rick! Another gem! I really appreciate these videos regarding lesser known subjects, like the one you recently did on Leon Askin (more like that, please) and now about this wonderful staff car. Its gotta be lost in someone's garage around LA. Just hope it wasn't sold to some scrap dealer in Victorville. Have a great VFR day!

I introduced Hogan's Heroes to my son's when they were small they still enjoy today. Seeing the Staff Car & history behind it was great! Thank you🤗

The staff car is a nice piece of WW2 equipment and, frankly, I'm surprised that it was used on a TV show. Thanks for sharing!

Amazing that 3 are still in great shape. Almost 100 years old.

I loved watching reruns while growing up and like the staff car, the neat little details that made the show fun.

One of my favorite shows ever. My TiVo records every episode and I watch at least two or three every night before I go to bed. I've seen every episode countless times and will never tore of them, like the Honeymooners. The General along with Major Hocksteder are 2 great characters and some of the best episodes are when they appear together. The staff car is gorgeous, especially the ones you showed that still exist. Great video!

I grew up watching Hogan’s Heroes when they first aired. I also have the full series and still watch them daily. I just found your channel and enjoy your insight into HH. History on the car to Carters ring. I always thought big B looked uncomfortable getting out of his car. I have Robert Clary’s book from Holocaust to HH. I haven’t watched all your videos yet but I did subscribe. I hope you will continue with videos about HH and maybe one about the tunnels. Was funny the tunnels in the pilot episode.

if only that same Staff Car could be found in the same condition today. Along with the motorbike and sidecar that Klink rode in with Shultz driving!!

That is cool knowledge! I have seen every episode and have always loved the general's staff car. Stay safe! Cheers, Danny

Loved learning about all of the Staff Cars when I was a kid. My Grandfather was a WW2 vet and had some sort of interactions with them. Unfortunately, I dont recall what the stories were. He would watch Hogan's Heroes with me and taught me all sorts of factoids, most of which I have long forgotten.

I had remembered that the General’s staff car was a Mercedes Benz, but had forgotten that it had six wheels on the ground.

The Collings Foundation has one restored in their American Heritage Museum in Stow Massachusetts. They drive it around sometimes during their battle for the airfield reenactments, Columbus Day weekend.

Hogan’s heroes was my favorite show growing up. Great info on the staff car!

Staff car. I have watched all your Hogan's Heroes shows, thanks for all the memories. You also answered some interesting questions I have had about the series. Thanks again!

Santa Rosa is in Northern California and not near LA, just for info.

Amazed they had an original staff car for the series.

Thanks for the background history on the car. I loved watching Hogan's Heroes and the STAFF CAR

So cool. I'm always noticing cars in old classic sitcoms. Thanks Rick!!!!!

Was there one in “The Man In The High Castle” maybe at the beginning of Season 3? I know all the American cars were pretty much the same as the cars in our timeline, with more Corvair vans, no bumperguards on the Neutral Zone Marshal’s 1950 Chevy coupe but Kido’s 53 4 door had them. Some scenes were of Germany. There was a Kaiser Darrin there that they avoided showing the sliding doors. And of course Mercedes!!!

There's four survivors, not three. Car number three of the four is the one used in Hogan's heroes, and is kept in hollywood under Universal's ownership, it's been used to appear in other WWII movies and TV shows, and is being kept by the studio for that very purpose. It's been repainted and changed numerous times to look different from it's previous and most famous role, hence why it isn't listed as 'original' anymore, and also why it's so hard to track down. Chances are if you see a W31 in a show or Movie, it's the Hogan's Heroes one, or a replica. The museum ones aren't loaned out like Universal's is. For example, the W31 that appears in Galactica 1980 is known to be the same one as the Hogan's Heroes car, not a replica.

Excellent video. I enjoy history and learning about this STAFF CAR was cool. Keep up the great work and thank you for providing a bright spot during these difficult times.

It always makes me chuckle when watching HH and seeing the deciduous trees in the background with the leaves still on during the “winter”

I remember building a model of the staff car a long time ago when I was a kid. Loved that staff car, hope it can be found and if its still in working order. Love your commentaries. And have always been a big fan of Hogans Hero's,

I had no idea that this auto was a real 'staff car'. It certainly looks real enough and I see it nearly every night on ME TV.

There are WWII re-enactors, some of whom own vintage WWII vehicles. Back in the early 2000s, I was able to arrange for my grandfather (a WWII vet, but now, sadly, no longer with us 😭) to ride in a vehicle convoy with a group of re-enactors in Columbia, MO. They were so good to him, and they were so proud to have an actual veteran there. I'm sure they all had questions for him. My grandfather had actually been involved in the filming of Audie Murphy's "To Hell and Back," so my grandfather knew a little about WWII re-enacting already. I did not stay in touch with these wonderful people who made my grandfather's final years so much better, but you might want to look them up to see if any of them know anything about the vehicle you mentioned in the video. Thanks -- as always -- for another great video.

I love Hogan's Heroes and there are different staff cars on the show. Thanks for sharing Brian

The staff car is at the National Technical Museum in Prague.

I'm surprised there isn't a staff car like this in the Mercedes Benz museum.

You've given me a new hobby. I constantly look in the background now when I watch movies. Fascinating as to what shows up if you take the time to look. Thank you.

Great memories watching Hogans Heroes with Dad back in the day. The staff car is very cool.

The story of an Army Staff Car and how it got Me into trouble. At the time, I was both a Volunteer Officer (Headquarters Chief Staff Officer Operations and Communications) in an Emergency Service Organisation and an Officer of the Crown, employed by the Parliament and the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, attached to the Australian Department of Defence, embedded in the Australian Military and at that time, occupying Office Space in an Army Logistical Supply Company. It had become Common Practice, on days when the Logistics Supply Company Commander (an Army Major) didn't want Me around, for a particular Staff Sergeant to give Me Keys to an Army Staff Car and Invite Me to "Bugger Off". On such days I was at Liberty to go wherever I wanted and do whatever I wanted, just as long as I wasn't back before 1600 Hours (the Hour at which Army cease working for the day). On this particular day things were just a little more unusual and stranger than normal, in that not only was I given an Army Staff Car, but I was also assigned a female Army Sergeant as My Driver. In the protocol of such things, only Senior Headquarters Officers are assigned Drivers of the Rank of Sergeant (all other Officer Grades get a Corporal). So here I was, an Army Staff Car at My disposal and a female Sergeant to do My driving for Me and a decision to make on where I (We) were going to go. Fortunately for Me I already had a place in mind and an activity to keep Me occupied. After a quick word with My Sergeant it was decided that she would tag along with Me for the day and just stay with the Car (she already had a Book to read). And in return I promised her a somewhat delightful free Luncheon, courtesy of the Emergency Service Organisation at whose Headquarters We would both be located. So, first Stop was My home where I could change into My Emergency Service Dress Uniform. Then onwards to My Emergency Service Headquarters. You see on that particular day, We were playing host to a group of visiting dignitaries from a number of Asian Countries, who were in Australia (attending the Australian Emergency Management Institute at Mount Macedon in Victoria) for a Two Week Disaster Management Course and were spending a few days in Adelaide reviewing local Disaster arrangements. The morning went extremely well, I did a lot of talking and explaining and My Army Staff Car and female Sergeant remained completely hidden at the rear of the property, with even some of My fellow Emergency Service Officers, being unaware of My Car and My Driver. Then Luncheon happened and I brought My female Sergeant into view and of course, quite naturally questions were asked by various dignitaries to various of My Officers, as to the background behind the presence of a Uniformed Sergeant of the Australian Army. I don't know precisely what questions were asked or what answers were given other than the generic "His Driver", but whatever they were, Curiosity was not fully satisfied, thus a few of them went for a Stroll to the far end of Our property, to observe My Army Staff Car (and My Uniformed Army Driver). In doing so, they also observed something which My Army Logistical Supply Company had Overlooked in assigning Me 'That particular Car'. Something which My Driver had Overlooked in her Pre-drive Inspection. Something which I also hadn't Seen (and in fact 'never saw'). My Army Staff Car, with female Sergeant driving (and obviously Waiting on Me) had a "Two Star Army Plate" somewhat clearly displayed upon it. And to the Initiated, which clearly one of the dignitaries was, a "Two Star Army Plate" clearly indicates the presence (and a waiting Sergeant Driver confirms this) of 'a Major General'. Thus it was in that brief instance, I became not only a Volunteer Officer in an Emergency Service Organisation, but also 'a Major General of the Australian Army'. And there it should have ended, but it didn't. Far from it. Because that was only the Start of it. When the dignitaries arrived back at the Australian Emergency Management Institute for the continuation of their Disaster Management Course, the story of the Volunteer Chief Staff Officer Operations and Communications, who was also (although he never personally referenced it) a Major General in the Australian Army (His Two Star Army Staff Car and Sergeant Driver Confirmed that) went viral. And unfortunately it went upwards through the Institute’s Chain of Command into Emergency Management Australia and then into the Australian Department of Defence and then into Army Office Canberra. One “Please Explain” came down to My Emergency Service Chief Officer, Another “Please Explain” came down within the Australian Department of Defence to My Regional Secretary, Another “Please Explain” came down through the Military Police to the Provost Marshal (masquerading as an Army Officer being a somewhat serious Offence) and the last “Please Explain” came down to the Army Major who was Commanding the Logistical Supply Company within whose structure I was somewhat temporally Located. Fortunately by the time I walked into work on that morning the Military Police Investigation was Complete, the circumstances of what had happened were known (or deduced) and the Explanation was winging its way up through the Army Chain of Command. All that then remained was for them to explain it to Me and for Me to explain it to My Regional Secretary (Australian Department of Defence) and My Emergency Service Chief Officer, fortunately the Military Police were willing to accompany Me to add weight to My Explanation. Ultimately I was completely Exonerated and the Army Motor Pool accepted the blame.

A would like to own that “staff car”. Thank you for posting.

Enjoy watching these videos from Fruitvale, BC, Canada especially in these COVID-19 days. We can’t take ourselves to seriously…need a laugh or two since I was born in ‘44. Two of my brothers served in WWll and later a brother served in the Navy!

I’m only 30-40 min minutes from Santa Rosa,California. Cool. May need to take a road trip in the future.

Staff car yes Hogan's heroes is one of my all time favorite shows.

I'm 59 now and still Hogan's Hero's when I can. What a wonderful show. The staff car was great. Had no idea it was a Mercedez Benz.

"staff car" My favorite show of all time, Great stuff, THANKS...

My son and I have season 1, ans we always talk about the "STAFF CAR", whenever we go somewhere on the way back home he will say, " can we put on Hogans Hero 's and talk about the STAFF CAR". THANK YOU.

"Klink, you are not wuuurthy of riding in MY staff car!!". Gen. B.

Also love the older vehicles from yesteryear. Including this fine staff car! Thanks for sharing it!

I just happen to watch the episode last night where they had the remote control car and of course I saw the staff car! You got to love Hogan's Heroes!!

Try the Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar, California. If they don’t have the staff car they will know where it is.

Staff Car, I have always wondered if there was a Stump at the Outdoor Facad of 40 acres that they acted like they were going into the Tunnel, I ordered Robert Clary's book and asked him that Question but He didn't answer me, I also asked him where the Stump entrance was Located but no answer there.

The Staff Car is iconic to me for Hogans Heros- Love the show, watched it as it aired, and over and over in reruns, then talk about the last days episode with pals in school the next day. I learned lots about people, history and geography, among countless hours of amusement (same with Gilligan's Isle). Thanks Mr 9G! (a main route along the Hudson, here in NY). alo

A friend wrote a final episode for Hogan's since none was made. It is very good and it does have some surprising turns. You have to be a fan to understand this episode.

The secret word is "Staff Car "..

I wonder if this is the same car used in the Rat Patrol episode, “The One That Got Away Raid.”

❤ This is my favorite show of all time, I try to never miss a episode…. I’ve wondered about all the vehicles used on this show, cause it really has been a lot of years since they made it….. thanks for sharing.. Jerry

Loved learning all this about the staff car! I'm a huge Hogan's Heroes fan and would love to have it on DVD. Thanks for all you do!

"Schultz! Get the General's staff car!"

"If you don't know" Mercedes codes their cars. Even if you do know, they still code their cars.

Hey Rick I really enjoy your video content and the research you put into them. This was great to learn about the Staff Car on Hogan's Heroes, it would be cool to know where it is now. Stay safe.

Thank you for doing this show about the staff car. Brings back my childhood memories in front of the zenith!

Jay Leno probably has it

“General Burkhalter, sir, what a pleasure to see you, sir!”

Love all of your videos and this one in particular about the history of the STAFF CAR. Thanks for all you do.

That was one nice car I always enjoy seeing that when it shown up in an episode but I just wish they had shown more of it but it is so cool that they used it in there movie I enjoy your videos the very informative about the shows that we loved thanks again!

Santa Rosa is about 400 miles from LA, north of San Francisco.

Cool looking car! I didn't know the history of this staff car.

I was a kid when Hogan's Hero's was first run, and have loved the re-runs ever since. Being a gun nut, collector, gun smith at one time, I watch the fantastic firearms that were used in the show. What bothered me though was the fact that usually Schultz carried a US Made 30-40 Kraig rifle from the Spanish American War era. I know that there were Kraig's made in Norway that were used for guards and rear echelon people but the actions were substantially different in the magazine latches and such. Scholtz also was filmed with a Thompson Sub-Machine gun, as well as a rare Bergman machine pistol from time to time.

Enjoying all your videos on Hogan's Heroes and the STAFF CAR is cool. I been watching the show for long as I can remember, now that i am older I noticed many actor's on the show came back numerous times playing different roles in many of the shows would be cool to make a video on them.

The staff car still could be on the studio lot under a tarpaulin that no one knows next to some lost Star Trek props!

As a nurse, we would say when the General shows up it would be a staff infection. 😁 Staff car

anything you say about HH is most informative since I watch it every evening

Been binging a bit watching this show the last three weeks Amazing how many episodes have staff cars running through the front gates. Can still remember this Friday nights on CBS.

The last I heard the staff car used was the Mercedes-Benz G4 with the number 406528 and is in the UK, today the car is black with dark blue.

Its probably in the SANDFORD & SON junkyard, I'd bet Fred Sandford pacemaker on it !!!!

This is a good video on the Hogan's Heroes "Staff Car"! Keep the great info coming!!! Thanks!

Staff Car...thank you for providing the interesting trivia about my favorite sitcom.

This vehicle would make a great Hot Wheels staff car.

They knew how to build back then, that's for sure. I have an Acquaintance at work who owns and original Willy's Jeep and a small armoured personnel carrier from WWII. Bothe still run fine and he drives them to auto shows. (one at a time of course.) I don't know the exact model of the personnel carrier, but it seems to be a cross between and Jeep and a Pickup with loads of extra armour and S2 50 Cal machine gun replicas mounted. I believe the Hogan's Hero's car is still in the hollywood area and still runs. Told you to do your oils changes regularly.

Staff Car! I sure remember riding my bike home from school so I could watch Hogan's Heroes The Staff car was always a very cool part of the show for me!

I always loved the different vehicles that were on the show!! To me they are just as important as their human counterparts, and the staff car is by far my favorite. God bless and Keep up the great videos😎