The famed Type 82, or "Kubelwagen" as it came to be known, was a German light military utility vehicle designed by Porsche and built by Volkswagen during WWII. Based on the civilian version of the VW Beetle, it was heavily modified to be used in front line military service. It was something of a jack of all trades vehicle akin to the iconic U.S. Army's Willys Jeep used for troops, light transport, off road use and ferrying officers around on the battlefield.
And with over 50,000 units produced it served in every battleground that Germany conducted operations in from the deserts of North Africa to the wintry outskirts of Moscow during Operation Barbarossa. They've also gained popularity in the aftermarket with military replicas popping up all over the place. And here's a great looking one for sale right now that has been decked out in U.S. military fashion. Let's take a look at the "Kubelwagen" and see why it was such a capable performer.
WWII VW "Kubelwagen" Tribute Car
According to the seller, the 1972 VW Type 82 "Kubelwagen" Tribute car pictured above and below is "[b]athed completely in Olive Drab...This Ferdinand Porsche designed vehicle is all squared off and simplified to travel through hill and dale or over the back roads. Simple rounded fenders frame the vehicle on all 4 corners. Several necessary add-ons are bolted open such as an entrenching tool on the driver's side, a spotlight on the passenger's side, a spare gas can, spare tire and a convertible top, held on with authentic leather straps. A few holes in the top at the meeting point of the windshield, but overall the vehicle is in good condition."
Fun Build With Tons Of Period Touches
Under the hood sits a humble 1,131 cc flat-4 air cooled engine pumping out a rather paltry 25 horsepower. With its dead simple one cylinder carb, 4 speed manual transmission it strangely enough gets up to speed quite well and is particularly capable off road owing to the rear engine layout. On the underside, it's completely sealed off but is in otherwise rust free shape. It also has a 4-wheel independent coil spring suspension and drum brakes all around.
And The Price Is Right
On the inside it's also very purposeful and bare bones with upholstered seat pads mounted to metal frames bolted directly to the floor. It has a rear bench seat, rifle rack, wood slatted floor, simple dash with classic large round VW speedo and not much more. It's currently offered for sale by Classic Auto Mall of Morgantown, Pennsylvania for $19,500. Achtung and buckle up!
Source: Hemmings