Volkswagen Kubel / Kubelwagen

Volkswagen Kubel / Kubelwagen History

The ubiquitous German Volkswagen ("Volkswagen") of World War II (1939-1945) was a product of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz engineering, whose design originated in 1933 at the request of Adolf Hitler. The first production example - known as the "Type 62" - appeared in 1936, based on Porsche's Volkswagen "Beetle". When the vehicle was chosen to fill the ranks of the growing German military, several desired changes were made to produce the "Type 82" designation.

By the end of the war, around 50,000 to 55,000 Volkswagen "Kubel" or "Kubelwagen" cars were produced - The name comes from the shell-like appearance of the seat. Full-scale production began in 1940, when Germany was already embroiled in a global war.

In practice, the Volkswagen Kubel has proven to be extremely reliable, robust and popular with all the service flags it operates, fulfilling the same versatile features as the equally famous American Allied JEEP. The Kubel is a lightweight and affordable production military vehicle that can be used effectively on and off road. Cars before 1943 were powered by a Volkswagen 4-cylinder 24 hp (998 cc) engine, while 1943 and later models were powered by a 25 hp (1,131 cc) engine.

The Kubel-designed operating components are proven to be efficient and easy to service in the harshest battlefield conditions, and the air-cooled engine means it can perform well in cooler temperatures compared to liquid-cooled designs. Crew protection is nothing more than sheet metal body panels, and the headliner consists of a canvas convertible top and integrated screens for operating the windowless doors.

Four doors serve as entry and exit for the driver and up to three passengers.

The Kubel came in many forms, including the "Type 92" (from 1943) with a fully enclosed body design. A tropical version called "Tropenfest" was also delivered when Kubel's base in the hot climates of North Africa and the Middle East failed to impress.

They are equipped with special tires for navigating deep sand and an improved filtration system to aid engine function. This variant was informally called the "German Camel" by the Allies.

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