The Volkswagen Type 82 Kubelwagen, or simply Kubel, contractions of the original German word Kubelsitzwagen (translated: 'bucket-seat car' -- but when the contractions are translated literally a back-formation of 'bucket' or 'tub'-car results),is a military light utility vehicle designed by Ferdinand Porsche and built by Volkswagen during World War II for use by the Nazi German military (both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS). Based heavily on the Volkswagen Beetle, it was prototyped and first deployed in Poland as the Type 62, but following improvements entered full-scale production as the Type 82. Several derivative models, such as the Kommandeurswagen, were also built in the hundreds.

The four-wheel drive train that was prototyped in the rejected Type 86 version went into mass production in the Schwimmwagen. The Type 86 performed better in comparative testing, but the additional costs of the more complex four-wheel drive train (both financial, as well as making the light car heavier and thirstier) did not outweigh the benefits from the German viewpoint. The Kubelwagen was intended to be able to be manhandled by its crew if they got stuck. Easily seating four men, the 725 kg (1,600 lb) empty weight Kubel was easier to lift than the 300 kg (660 lb) heavier jeep. The rear bench would seat three in a pinch, for a total of five inside.

Kubelwagen is a contraction of Kubelsitzwagen, meaning "bucket-seat car". Before the war, this term became popular in Germany for light open-topped cross-country and military field cars without doors, because these were typically equipped with bucket seats to help keep occupants on board, necessary in an era before the adoption of seat belts. This body style had first been developed by Karosseriefabrik N. Trutz in 1923.: The first Porsche Type 62 test vehicles had no doors and were therefore fitted with bucket seats as Kubelsitzwagen, later shortened to Kubelwagen.: Despite later acquiring doors, and more regular, lower seats, the name "Kubelwagen" was retained. Besides the Volkswagen plant, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, and Tatra also built Kubel(sitz)wagen, though they were all rear-wheel drive models only.

This particular 1:32 scale replica of a German Kubelwagen was attached to the 21.Panzer Division and used in Normandy, France, 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.