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.

Pictured here is a 1:32 scale replica of a German Kubelwagen ambulance that was attached to an unidentified unit then serving in Holland during the fall of 1944. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-3/4-inches
Width: 2-inches
Height: 2-inches

Release Date: February 2013

Historical Account: "Porsche" - Prof. Dr. h.c. Ferdinand Porsche (September 3rd, 1875 - January 30th, 1951) was an Austrian automotive engineer. Porsche was born in Vratislavice nad Nisou, Bohemia, which is now part of the city of Liberec in the Czech Republic, aka Maffersdorf in German. Porsche is best known for designing the original Volkswagen Beetle and for his contributions to advanced German tank designs: Tiger I, Tiger II and the Elefant. Adolf Hitler honored Porsche in 1937 when he was awarded the German National Prize for Art and Science, one of the rarest decorations in the Third Reich.

In June 1934, Porsche got a contract to build three prototypes based on his design. The three cars were completed in winter 1936. Daimler-Benz was contracted to build an additional 30 prototypes. A new city, "Stadt des KdF-Wagens", near to Fallersleben was founded for the factory. The city is named Wolfsburg today and is still the seat of Volkswagen.

At about the same time, Porsche designed a racing car for Auto Union to compete with Daimler-Benz in Grand Prix motor racing from 1934 onwards. The V16-powered car became known by the name P-Wagen and was both innovative and successful. The dominance of the Silver Arrows of both brands was only stopped by the war in 1939.

Ferdinand Porsche became involved with the construction of the factory in Wolfsburg. He handed over his racing projects to his son, Ferry.

Ferdinand also accepted further projects from the Third Reich, including the design and construction of tanks and other military vehicles such as the Tiger Tank and the Elefant tank destroyer. As was routine in the days of the Third Reich during the war, those projects also involved forced labor. Slave labor was used at the Wolfsburg factory as well.