more info on the kuebelwagen
The Volkswagen ("People's Car") was the product of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz engineering and design created in 1933 at Adolph Hitler's request, with the first production units - the Type 62 - appearing in 1936 - and based on Porsche’s VW Beetle design. When the type was selected to fill the ranks of the German military, several requested changes were implemented to produce the Type 82. By war's end, some 50,000 to 55,000 examples of the Volkswagen "Kubel" (meaning "bucket") or Kubelwagen (meaning "bucket automobile") would be produced - the name derived from the bucket-type appearance of the seats. Full production would begin in 1940.
The Volkswagen Kubel proved reliable, robust and well-liked by all banners that it operated under and served in the respect that the American Jeep would for the Allies. The Kubel was a light-weight and inexpensive production car with the capability to operate effectively on road and off road. Power for pre-1943 vehicles was served from a Volkswagen 4-cylinder engine producing some 24 horsepower and 998cc while 1943 models and on were served with a 25 horsepower engine delivering 1,131cc. The operational components of the Kubel design proved efficient and easy to maintain under the harshest of battlefield conditions and the air-cooled engine meant that it could operate well in colder temperatures when compared to a liquid-cooled derivative.
Crew protection was nothing more than a body made of sheet metal. The covering consisted of a convertible top covered with canvas with screens covering the windowless doors. Four doors served as the exit/entry methods for the driver and up to three passengers.
The Kubel appeared in a variety of types including the Type 92 which featured an enclosed body design. A tropical version known as the "Tropenfest" was also delivered when it was found that the Kubel in its basic form failed to impress in hot climates. These were fitted with special tires to navigate the deep sands of North Africa.
