1943-44 Opel "Maultier" Panzer-Werfer 42 Half-Track | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 159

The National Military History Center

1943-44 Opel "Maultier" Panzer-Werfer 42 Half-Track

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$65,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
11297
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: Opel Division of General Motors, Germany

Production Years: 1942-1944

Engine: Opel OHV, 3.6-liter, 75-hp, eight-cylinder, liquid-cooled, gasoline

Transmission: Five-speed: four forward, one reverse

Brakes: Hydraulic

Length: 20-feet

Width: 7-feet, 7-inches

Height: 6-feet, 9-1/2-inches

Weight: Approximately 4-tons

Armor: None

Armament: NONE on this example – Could be fitted with a 7.92-mm MG34 or MG42 machine gun

Maximum Speed: Approximately 25-mph

Maximum Payload: 2-tons

Markings: German Afrika Korps

In 1942, Opel began production of 2-ton Maultier (Mule) half-tracks at their Brandenburg / Havel plant. The Maultier reportedly originated from a field modification carried out by the 2nd SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” during the winter of 1941-1942. Conditions on the Eastern Front, where already poor roads turned to seas of mud during rainy seasons and slush in the spring thaw, created almost impossible transportation situations for the wheeled truck units of the German Army. A standard Ford 3-ton V3000S 4x2 truck was used as the basis of the conversion along with sets of Carden-Loyd tracks and bogey wheel assemblies from captured British Universal type carriers. The conversion comprised of moving the rear axle forward and shortening the driveshaft, reinforcing the chassis and mounting double sets of the Carden-Loyd two-wheel bogie assemblies, along with tracks, to each side of the chassis. The conversion reduced the payload capacity from 3-tons to 2-tons. An additional field conversion was carried out on some Maultiers consisting of mounting a 2-cm Flak 30 or Flak 38 anti-aircraft cannon on the cargo bed. This example is not fitted with armament. Approximately 4,000 Opel Maultiers were built.

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