1478cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
36bhp at 3,400rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission with 2-Speed Gearbox
Coil Sprung Front Fork with Torsion Bar Sprung Tracks
Rear Drum Brakes

*An example of outside the box German Engineering
*Part car, part tank, part motorcycle
*Fully operational and in good running order
*Capable of conquering any terrain
*Restoration records on file

THE HALF-TRACK OFFERED

The Kettenkrad was typical of vehicles designed and manufactured for the German Wehrmacht during WW2: innovative and well made. Designated 'SdKfz 2' by the German Army, the Kettenkrad was an ingenious half motorcycle, half tracked vehicle, hence its name – 'ketten' meaning tracks, 'krad' meaning Krafttrad or motorcycle.

It was designed for German airborne forces as a light, multi-terrain, towing vehicle and was the only gun tractor small enough to fit inside the hold of the Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft. Steering was accomplished by turning the handlebars; if little movement was used then the wheel alone would steer the vehicle; however, if the 'bars were turned further, the track brakes would be engaged (just like a tank) to turn more sharply. The handlebar had a twist-grip throttle, just like a motorcycle, but the transmission was car-type, incorporating a three-speed gearbox and foot operated clutch. There were high and low transmission ranges: 'Gelande' - off-road and 'Strasse' – street, for a total of six speeds. The engine was the super reliable 1,478cc inline water-cooled unit from the Opel Olympia car, also in use with the Wehrmacht. The tracked system was very advanced, using roller bearings and padded tracks. This gave rise to an extraordinary top speed of 50mph on road surfaces, although the instruction manual advised a maximum of 44! In any event, it was the fastest tracked vehicle of WW2.

Kettenkrads were used in almost every theatre of the war and proved very reliable in all conditions from the arctic Russian winter to the heat of the Western desert. They were used to tow anti-tank guns as part of feared tank-busting teams; tow ammunition trailers to the front line; lay cables and ferry troops to difficult locations. Their excellent cross-country ability made them the last vehicles to bog down in the clinging Russian mud.

Purchased in restored condition, Mr. Schnuerer's attention to detail led to the half track being sent out the gentleman responsible for restoring the Schwimmwagen also offered within the collection. During the process, the vehicle was stripped down revealing the original paint and markings. Furthermore, the mechanicals were all brought into running order and it can be reported to operate in good condition today.