Forces of Valor 82005 German VW-82 Kubelwagen - 21.Panzer Division, Normandy, 1944 (1:32 Scale)
"I do not doubt that the outstanding ability of the designer and at a later date the economic acumen of manufacturers, will make it possible to make available to the German people a car which is low priced and cheap in operation, similar to what American people have enjoyed for a long time..."
- German Chancellor Adolf Hitler at the 26th International Berlin Automobile Show, 1936
Built by Volkswagen, the simple yet reliable Kubelwagen ("bucket car") was the German equivalent of the American Jeep. This nimble four-seater, based on Ferdinand Porsche's original "People's Car" design of the 1930's, used the same rear-mounted, aircooled engine to drive the rear wheels. Some models mounted an MG 42 machine gun behind the front passenger seat, giving the Kubelwagen a nasty bite. Other variants included an amphibious vehicle, called the Schwimmwagen, as well as radio communications, maintenance, ambulance, and survey variants.
This particular 1:32 scale replica of a German Kubelwagen was attached to the 21.Panzer Division and used in the
Normandiefront sector in 1944. Sold Out!
Dimensions:
Length: 4.69 inches
Width: 1.88 inches
Height: 1.88 inches
Release Date: September 2004
Historical Account: "Unser Rommel" - The 21.Panzer Division was formed from the 5.Leichte-Division in August 1941. It fought in North Africa, suffering heavy losses at El Alamein and during the ensuing retreat to Tunisia when it acted as Rommel's rear guard. It was subsequently destroyed in Tunisia in May 1943.
The unit was reformed in Normandy during July 1943 and remained in France on occupation duty until it was called upon to oppose the Allied landings in Normandy. It withdrew through France and into Germany before being sent east to fight on Germany's eastern frontier where it was destroyed by the Red Army in April 1945.