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 9. Panzer Division and tasked with defending the Normandiefront sector in 1944. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-3/4-inches
Width: 1-3/4-inches

Release Date: August 2005

Historical Account: "Hard Fighting" - 9.Panzer-Division was formed in January 1940 from the 4.Leichte-Division. It took part in the campaign in the west, fighting in the Netherlands, Belgium and finally France before being transferred to Poland in September 1940. It participated in the Balkans campaign before fighting on the southern sector during the invasion of the Soviet Union. It was eventually transferred to the central sector in October 1941 and saw action in the summer offensive of 1942 and later in the fighting at Kursk a year later. It was sent back to the southern sector in the fall of 1943 and fought at the River Dnieper suffering heavy losses.

It was sent to France in March 1944 for rebuilding rebuild where it absorbed 155.Reserve-Panzer-Division. It was moved to northern France Aug to thwart the Allied landings and fought at Normandy and Falaise before withdrawing to Germany. It saw battle at Aachen and in the Ardennes before being trapped in the Ruhr pocket where it surrendered to the US Army on April 26th, 1945.