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4 unusual facts about Einheits-PKW der Wehrmacht


Einheits-PKW der Wehrmacht

After the Nazi takeover of power, increased funding became available for mechanization, and in 1934, a development program for standardized chassis was launched.

The medium off-road passenger car was built by the Opelwerk Brandenburg (chassis only), Wanderer in Siegmar-Schönau (today a part of Chemnitz), and Horch in Zwickau (both members of Auto Union).

Several manufacturers were therefore charged with production, each supposedly following the same standardized plans: BMW (Werk Eisenach), Hanomag, Stoewer, Opel (Werk Brandenburg), Ford Germany and Auto Union (Horch and Wanderer).

Opelwerk Brandenburg

Between 1940 and 1943 the chassis of standard medium passenger car, a all-wheel drive vehicle for military purpose, which had been originally developed by Horch (Auto Union) in Zwickau, was also assembled under licence at the Opel Brandenburg plant.


Leichter Panzerspähwagen

They were developed by Eisenwerk Weserhütte of Bad Oeynhausen by using the chassis of type Horch 108 standard heavy off-road car with an angled armoured body and turret.


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