1944 Volkswagen

This 1944 Volkswagen Type 82 is one of approximately 50k Kübelwagen vehicles built at Stadt des KdF-Wagens between 1940 and 1945 for use by the German military during World War II, and it was acquired out of Alaska by the current owner approximately four years ago. The car is a standard four-seat variant finished in beige with brown and green camouflage, and power is from an air-cooled 1.1L flat-four linked with a four-speed manual transaxle and a limited-slip differential. Additional features include rear gear-reduction hubs, four-wheel independent suspension, a canvas soft top, black vinyl seat upholstery, front and rear Notek lights, and a side-mounted shovel. This Kübelwagen is now offered on dealer consignment in California with a tool kit and a clean Alaska title. Development of the Type 82 began after the German military reached out to Ferdinand Porsche to create a lightweight transport vehicle capable of on- and off-road use. Kübelwagen production began in 1940 and continued throughout the war. This example is finished in beige with a brown and green camouflage pattern and is said to have been repainted under prior ownership. Additional features include a canvas convertible top, fender-mounted headlamps, dual side mirrors, and a side-mounted shovel. A front Notek light reflects light downward from an internal mirror to avoid detection by aircraft, while a rear Notek light features a light array designed to help convoys estimate following distance. The 16″ steel wheels are painted beige with camouflage markings and mounted with 6.00-16 Fulda Transport M tires, as is a nose-mounted spare. Stopping power is provided by cable-operated drum brakes. The independent torsion-bar suspension utilizes single-acting tubular shock absorbers up front and double-acting lever-arm shocks at the rear. The individual front seats and rear bench are fitted with cushions trimmed in black vinyl upholstery. Features include body-color sheet metal, duckboard flooring, and windshield wipers. A canvas satchel hangs from the dashboard support rail, and a storage compartment behind the rear seat houses three jerry cans. The three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of 100-km/h speedometer, an ignition switch, and warning lights. The six-digit odometer shows 31k kilometers (~19k miles), a handful of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown. The air-cooled 1.1L flat-four is equipped with a single downdraft carburetor and a red oil filler cap. A tire pump and jack crank are secured to the inside of the engine cover. The air intake pipe is detached from the carburetor. The four-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip differential transmits power to the rear wheels through gear-reduction hubs. A wooden toolbox housing an assortment of tools will accompany the vehicle along with three jerry cans.