Erlkönig Gebirgs vehicle

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FtrPlt
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Erlkönig Gebirgs vehicle

Post by FtrPlt »

Roland Kaltenneggaer's book has a photo showing a vehicle referred to as "Erlkönig" that was purpose built for mountain use. The photo only shows the rear half of the vehicle. Very small -- smaller than a Kubelwagen. Does anyone have a photo of a complete vehicle? I originally thought it was a Mercedes VK170 but the Mercedes is gigantic in comparison. Also not a Stöwer Kfz 2 either. Again much smaller. Looks like a 2-seater with Kubel style doors but a squared-off rear. The canvas top appears very tall as result of the very small size of the vehicle
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Ropes
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Re: Erlkönig Gebirgs vehicle

Post by Ropes »

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FtrPlt
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Re: Erlkönig Gebirgs vehicle

Post by FtrPlt »

That would be the picture I'm referring to. I did find some threads on other sites attempting to ID this vehicle. Most end up referring to a Stöwer-made Kfz 4 although I believe this vehicle is much larger than the mountain car shown. The Stöwer's were 3 or 4-door models depending on application (3 door for a radio car). As can be seen below, the back end of the vehicle is angled rather than vertical and the entire car is physically longer. I think the mountain car is a 2-door, judging by what appears to be a very short wheelbase.
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This is a BMW Kfz 3. The back shape is correct but still appears much wider and taller than the mountain car
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To confuse things, the term Kfz 1 (kraftfahrzeug) appears to cover a range of light vehicles rather than specific models. The same is true of the term "Kubelwagen". While the VW Type 82 springs to mind, the term is not specific to that car.

Other possibilities are vehicles produced in Austria and Czechoslovakia and absorbed into the Wehrmacht. The Czech Tatra 57K (also known as a Kubelwagen) is narrow and similar in size to the mountain car (although a 4-door). Its rear has fuel cans and spare tire attached -- features not seen on the mountain car in the image.
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mario33
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Re: Erlkönig Gebirgs vehicle

Post by mario33 »

Normally, 'Erlkönig' is not a mark or model or type of vehicle. Its a German 'nick-name' for Prototype.
Ein Erlkönig ist eine gängige Bezeichnung in den Massenmedien für den Prototyp eines Autos.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erlk%C3%B6nig_%28Auto%29

Therefore, I suppose it was a proptotype that never went into production stage. I asked some friends that 'specialise' in German 2ww vehicles' history but with no luck, I'm afraid. Not even a single picture...
Es steht ein kleines, kleines Edelweiß
auf einer steilen, steilen Felsenhöh!

Kampfgruppe EDELWEIß
1 KP, 100 GJR

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bhoy
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Re: Erlkönig Gebirgs vehicle

Post by bhoy »

Hi, looking through one of my books i came across a description and photos of these specialized vehicles which were a type of early light uniform Pkw with reduced (narrowed) wheelbase from 1400mm to 1250mm. Most likely they were made by either Stoewer, Hanomag or BMW. The book is: Cars of the Wehrmacht, by Reinhard Frank Published by Schiffer, ISBN #0-88740-687-4. It is a fascinating book on most all of the cars in use by the German military both common and some VERY obscure ones!
Hope this helps, Bob.
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Yuri
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Re: Erlkönig Gebirgs vehicle

Post by Yuri »

bhoy wrote:Hi, looking through one of my books i came across a description and photos of these specialized vehicles which were a type of early light uniform Pkw with reduced (narrowed) wheelbase from 1400mm to 1250mm. Most likely they were made by either Stoewer, Hanomag or BMW. The book is: Cars of the Wehrmacht, by Reinhard Frank Published by Schiffer, ISBN #0-88740-687-4. It is a fascinating book on most all of the cars in use by the German military both common and some VERY obscure ones!
Hope this helps, Bob.
Does anyone got that book to share some more photos or info about that vehicle? Many thanks
War, war never changes...

Kampfgruppe EDELWEIß
1 KP, 100 GJR
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