Germany's Volkswagen Kübelsitzwagen car
Photos
Volkswagen Kübelsitzwagen: |
Design
In 1933 Hitler ordered Dr. Porsche and Werlin to develop a Volkswagen (people's car).1 By 1934 Porsche had a design developed.1
The Volkswagen was designated the standard passenger car for the Wehrmacht.1 It was inexpensive and easy to produce.1
Engine
The Volkswagen Typ 1 engine initially had teething problems but they were soon worked out.1
The fuel tank was in front, below the instrument panel.1
Starting in March 1943 the engine used was larger.1
Body
There was a folding canvas top and side screens.1 The panels, that made up the body, were made from 18 gauge stamped sheet metal.1
Chassis
The chassis had a central steel tube supporting the engine and transmission.1 The front axle was a steel tube that had the torsion bars.1
Brakes
The brakes had double levers for the brake shoes.1
Prototype
The Volkswagen Typ 62 prototype was ready in 1936.1
Production
- Volkswagen Typ 82: 55,0001
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen at Wolfsburg1
- Production: March 1940 - mid 19441
Variants
- Volkswagen Typ 62: Initial prototype.1
- Volkswagen Typ 82: Main production version.1
- Volkswagen Typ 86: The chassis was widened 2.36" - 3.15" / 6 cm - 8 cm based on a requirement issued on August 2, 1940.1
- Volkswagen Typ 92: The body was enclosed.1
- Tropenfest: Tropical version for use in North Africa.1 Had larger sand tires.1 Nickname: Deutsches Kamel (German camel).1
Usage
Specifications
| Volkswagen Kübelsitzwagen | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 11 |
| Passengers | |
| Radio | |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight | 1,400 lb1 635 kg1 |
| Length | 12' 3"1 3.73 m1 |
| Height | 4' 5"1 1.35 m1 |
| Width | 5' 3"1 1.6 m1 |
| Ground clearance | |
| Ground pressure | |
| Armament | |
| MG | |
| Side arms | |
| Quantity | |
| MG | |
| Side arms | |
| Armor Thickness (mm) | |
| Engine (Make / Model) | 1: Volkswagen Typ 1 HIAR1 |
| OR (after March 1943) | 1: Volkswagen1 |
| Bore / stroke | |
| Cooling | Air1 |
| Cylinders | 141 |
| OR (after March 1943) | 41 |
| Capacity | 998 cc1 |
| OR (after March 1943) | 1,131 cc1 |
| Net HP | 241 |
| OR (after March 1943) | 251 |
| Power to weight ratio | |
| Compression ratio | |
| Transmission (Type) | Limited slip differential1 4 forward, 1 reverse1 |
| Steering | |
| Steering ratio | |
| Starter | |
| Electrical system | |
| Ignition | |
| Fuel (Type) | Gasoline1 |
| OR (after March 1943) | Gasoline1 |
| Octane | |
| Quantity | |
| Road consumption | |
| Cross country consumption | |
| Performance | |
| Traverse | |
| Speed - Road | |
| Speed - Water | |
| Range - Road | |
| Range - Water | |
| Turning radius | |
| Fording depth | |
| Trench crossing | |
| Vertical obstacle | |
| Climbing ability | |
| Suspension (Type) | Torsion bar.1 |
| Wheels each side | |
| Wheelbase | 7' 10"1 2.39 m1 |
| Tires | 5.25x161 |
Sources:
- The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
