[pta slowchat] Volkswagen Iltis type 183

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The Volkswagen and later Bombardier Iltis was produced from 1978 to 1987 for the German, Canadian, Belgium and French armies - a civilian version was also manufactured by Volkswagen. The Iltis was originally produced by Volkswagen until 1981 when the rights to manufacture the Iltis was sold to the Canadian government and production started up again in Quebec by Bombardier in 1984. The last Iltis were produced for the German and Belgium armies in 1987.

The Iltis is powered by a 75hp 1.7L solid lifer "Golf" engine with a special waterproofed carburetor and ignition system. On the highway the 6.5R16 wheels are only powered on the rear of the vehicle. A leaver between the e-brake and passenger seat engages the front wheels. Another leaver between the e-brake and the driver seat locks the two rear wheels together to make the Iltis almost unstoppable!

There are several differences between the German and Canadian made Iltis. The most noticeable exterior differences is the rear tail lights and tactical lighting. The Canadian version also sports a bush guard and a removable cable snatcher that reduces the risk of a soldier becoming injured by left over wire from wire guided missiles or barbed wire when the windshield is folded down. Another major difference is the canopy - the German canopy can be lowered and neatly stowed away in about 5 minutes as it folds down similar to the VW Thing and Cabriolet. The Canadian canopy is much more rigid and for the superstructure underneath to be fully removed will require the use of tools and about 30 minutes of time.

If you are looking for an Iltis to add to your collection, please feel free to contact me as I am currently importing prime examples from Germany.