VW Kübelsitzwagen ("Kübelwagen") Type 82
The Kübelwagen was for the German military what Jeeps were to the American forces: rugged, utilitarian all-terrain vehicles. The chassis and engine were built by Volkswagen off the design of their Beetle, with the body elements manufactured by Berlin-based Ambi Budd. Ferdinand Porsche, the renowned automotive designer, was approached by Reich officials in 1938 to design the vehicle using the Beetle as its base; this stipulation required the body of the car to be extremely lightweight in order to perform under military conditions. Full-scale prodcution of the Kübelwagen began in 1940, after the wheel base was heightened to increase off-road capabilities, and the minimum speed was decreased to allow the vehicle to pace with marching troops. Though there were slight modifications made to the Kübelwagen throughout the war, the general design remained the same during the remainder of its use.
Speed: 4 - 80 kM/H
Engine: 985cc, Flat 4 Cylinder, Air-Cooled
Wartime Production: 50,435
Crew: Up to 4
Armament: Could be outfitted with 2 MG-34/42's
Ford Type V3000S
(3-Ton Type G 198 TS )
The Ford V3000 was one of the most widely produced trucks during the war, coming in second only in numbers to the Opel Blitz. Trucks were used by the divisions for both troop, cargo, and artillery transport both between sites and in field. Some were fitted with a small Flak gun for defensive purposes.
Speed: Up to 85 kM/H on-road
Engine: Ford 3.9L, V-8
Crew: 2 in-cab, with carrying capability in bed
BMW R71 Motorcycle
The BMW R71 was the primary reconaissance motorcycle from 1938 to 1941, when the larger BMW/Zundapp R75 motorcycle was put into production to make up for its predecessor's lack of versatile off-road capabilities. The R71 was the motorcycle in use by the troops of the 2nd SS when the six men of the division suceeded in capturing the Yugoslavian capital of Belgrade without a shot being fired.
Speed: Up to 125 kM/H
Engine: 750cc, twin cylinder
Wartime Production: 3,458
Crew: Up to 3
Armament: Could be outfitted with a MG-34/42
BSA M20 (e)
The Birmingham Small Arms company produced over 100,000 of the M20 motorcycles during the Second World War, making them the most prolific of the bikes used during the conflict. M20's were seen initially as slow, with poor ground clearance, and questionable engine durability, but picked up in popularity through their ease of maintenance and overall reliability. This bike saw action in every teather of the war, and were also shipped for use by Sweden, South Africa, and India. This model is designed to be used with or without a sidecar.
Speed: Up to 100 kM/H
Engine: 469cc, Single cylinder
Wartime Production: 126,000
Crew: Up to 3 (with sidecar)
