Product Description

The Kübelwagen is a small military vehicle produced in Germany during World War II.
This vehicle can be described as a military version of the previously designed Type 1, and it was designed to enhance off-road capability by taking advantage of its lightweight and low center of gravity, while also increasing the ground clearance as much as possible compared to the Type 1.
This vehicle, with its open-top body featuring a foldable canvas roof and an RR (rear-engine, rear-wheel drive) drivetrain, was equipped with simple bucket seats, which gave it its name. In 1938, at the request of the Army Ordnance Bureau, research began on adapting the Type 1 for military use, and a prototype was completed in 1939. Its further development prototype was designated the Type 62, and dozens of prototypes were produced.
Following evaluation tests of the Type 62, the improved Type 82 was adopted, and mass production began in KdF in 1940.
Despite being a two-wheel drive vehicle, the Kübelwagen's high floor and the large load on the drive wheels due to its rear engine gave it good off-road capability, making it more practical than motorcycles with sidecars. It was therefore very welcomed by soldiers on the battlefield.
Furthermore, because it was equipped with an air-cooled engine that did not require coolant or a radiator, and did not require antifreeze, which is troublesome to handle in harsh winters and extremely cold regions, it could be used not only on the scorching hot African front but also on the extremely cold Russian front.
From 1942 onwards, tropical-specific vehicles equipped with wide balloon tires to improve their off-road capability on sandy terrain were deployed to the North African front, and a large number of Kübelwagens were deployed on the Eastern Front during Operation Blau.

- The tires are balloon type.
- Includes 2 figures

Common specifications for USCDW16026/USCDW16027: - Front wheels are steerable - Four marking options available

Product Specifications

Country

Germany

Item code

USCDW16027

JAN code

0654170508271

Purchase Information