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In November 1938 Porsche completed a prototype vehicle based on the Volkswagen
designated the Kubelwagen Type 62. Kubelwagen is short for Kübelsitzwagen, (bucket
seat car). The Type 62 lacked good cross-country performance so ground clearance was
increased and a modified gear ratio. This gave birth to the Type 82 and in 1940 mass
production began at the Volkswagen factory. By early 1943 20,000 vehicles were
produced with the total reaching 50,435 by the end of WWII. The Kubelwagen was to
Germany what the jeep was to the Allies.
In 1942 Libya, North Africa was the scene of many see-saw battles between the British
and the German/Italian forces. The Axis forced the British out of Libya and lay siege to
Tobruk, a key harbor city. The first siege in November 1941 failed and the Axis forces
had to retreat only to successfully attack again in June 1942. They held Tobruk until
November 1942 when the British overpowered them and drove what was left of Rommel’
s forces across Libya into Tunisia.
Specification Kubelwagen Type 82
Produced by – Volkswagen
Years of production – 1940 – 1945
Number produced – 50,435
Accommodation – 1 x Driver, up to 3 x passengers
Engine – 1 x Volkswagen Type 1, 4-cylinder 985cc air-cooled generating 24 hp up until
1943. After 1943 1 x Volkswagen 4-cylinder 1131cc gasoline engine generating 25 hp
Performance
Speed – 80.4 km/h (50 mph)
Range – 434 km (270 miles)
Dimensions
Length – 3.77 m (12.3 ft)
Width – 1.6 m (5.25 ft)
Height – 1.65 m (5.41 ft)
Weight – 750 kg (1,653 lb) |
