The Volkswagen Type 82 Kublewagens proved robust and reliable vehicles on any front. By Staff Writer
The Volkswagen ("People's Car") was the product of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz engineering and design created in 1933 at Adolph Hitler's request, with the first production units - the Type 62 - appearing in 1936 - and based on Porsche’s VW Beetle design. When the type was selected to fill the ranks of the German military, several requested changes were implemented to produce the Type 82. By war's end, some 50,000 to 55,000 examples of the Volkswagen "Kubel" (meaning "bucket") or Kubelwagen (meaning "bucket automobile") would be produced - the name derived from the bucket-type appearance of the seats. Full production would begin in 1940.
The Volkswagen Kubel proved reliable, robust and well-liked by all banners that it operated under and served in the respect that the American Jeep would for the Allies. The Kubel was a light-weight and inexpensive production car with the capability to operate effectively on road and off road. Power for pre-1943 vehicles was served from a Volkswagen 4-cylinder engine producing some 24 horsepower and 998cc while 1943 models and on were served with a 25 horsepower engine delivering 1,131cc. The operational components of the Kubel design proved efficient and easy to maintain under the harshest of battlefield conditions and the air-cooled engine meant that it could operate well in colder temperatures when compared to a liquid-cooled derivative.
Crew protection was nothing more than a body made of sheet metal. The covering consisted of a convertible top covered with canvas with screens covering the windowless doors. Four doors served as the exit/entry methods for the driver and up to three passengers.
The Kubel appeared in a variety of types including the Type 92 which featured an enclosed body design. A tropical version known as the "Tropenfest" was also delivered when it was found that the Kubel in its basic form failed to impress in hot climates. These were fitted with special tires to navigate the deep sands of North Africa.
Accommodation: 1 + 3 Weight:0.8US Short Tons (750kg; 1,653lbs)
Performance:
Speed: 50mph (80.4km/h) Range: 270miles (434km)
Systems:
NBC Protection: None. Nightvision: None.
Power:
Engine(s): 1 x Volkswagen Type 1 4-cylinder air-cooled engine generating 24hp (up to 1943); 1 x Volkswagen 4-cylinder 1131cc petrol engine of 25hp (1943 onwards).
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Image Courtesy of Dan Alex.
1940
Designation:Volkswagen Kubel / Kubelwagen Classification Type:Military Car Contractor:Volkswagen / Ambi-Budd - Germany Country of Origin: Imperial Germany Number Built: Not Available
Operators: Imperial Germany
Variants
Type 62 - Initial Production model appearing in 1936.
Type 82 - Modified Type 62 appearing in 1940.
Type 86 - Widened chassis based on the Type 82.
Type 92 - Enclosed Body Design appearing from 1943; uprated engine producing 1131cc.
Tropenfest - Tropical Climate Variant; "German Camel"; fitted with special sand tires.
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Other images acquired through the public domain.
Digital art work courtesy of Dan Alex. Business Consulting by Kyle Williams
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Dimensions:
