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The second generation VW Kubelwagen (right);
these 1900+ units were produced by
VW
in Germany under contract for the
Bundeswehr. They were outfitted with the military package (option code M63)
from 1969 to 1979. Standard features include Stationary petrol heater,
black-out lights, low compression engine, skid plates, brush guards, first aid
holder, 4 rifle holders, water-proof ignition and charging system, double
shielded wires. There were civilan models made in Mexico and sold in the USA
in 1973 and 1974, and some right hand drive models sold in England. The
German Army used a most of these vehicles as Radio and scout cars, although
some were assigned in almost every unit.
- Kubelken (9/'97)
The "VW 181" civilian version (mentioned) was known (apparently officially) as the "VW Thing" here in Canada. I still see them occasionally, but there were never very many of them. Most seem to be in really bright colours, which was VW's style in the early '70's.
The more recent Iltis, although a Volkswagen design, was later produced by Canada's Bombardier (builders of the famous "Ski-Doo" snowmobile) and purchased in significant numbers by the Canadian Armed Forces. Training manoeuvres lead to convoys of dozens of military vehicles travelling the highway between the bases in Alberta, and there are always at least a dozen Iltis included in the convoys I see. [2/1998]
Go to the
example,
VW,
Kubelwagen (WW-II)
and
Military Vehicles
pages
