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German Army Wehrmacht Military Kübelwagen

The Volkswagen Type 82 Kübelwagen (German for bucket or tub car) was built during World War II for the German Army (Wehrmacht). The Type 82 was designed by Ferdinand Porsche as a lightweight field car for utility duties, very similar to the role of the U.S. jeep.

The 4x2 Volkswagen Type 82 Kübelwagen was powered by a rear mounted 23 hp (985cc) engine, later upgraded to 25 hp (1131cc), mated to a four speed transmission. A self-locking differential gave the vehicle adequate traction even without four wheel drive.

Kübelwagen
Kübelwagen. Photo: Courtesy of WW2Xprt.

Kübelwagen and jeep
Kübelwagen and jeep. Photo: Courtesy of WW2Xprt.

Volkswagen Type 82 German Army and Airforce Kübelwagen. Chassis of this unit built in 1943 based on original Volkswagen Werk data plate. Photo: Courtesy of Leon DeSpain
Volkswagen Type 82 German Army and Airforce Kübelwagen. Chassis of this unit built in 1943 based on original Volkswagen Werk data plate. Photo: Courtesy of Leon DeSpain.