VW “Half-track Fox” restored and rebuilt after 60 years

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Six a long time in the past, an enterprising mechanic turned a Volkswagen Microbus right into a half-track. Referred to as the “Half-track Fox,” the distinctive van simply emerged from a full restoration to as soon as once more deal with mountainous terrain.

The Half-track Fox was in-built Could 1962 at VW’s plant in Hannover, Germany. It was delivered to Viennese VW mechanic Kurt Kretzner, who quickly transformed it into one thing extra appropriate to Alpine trails.

Kretzner needed a van with good off-road functionality that may nonetheless be straightforward to drive, based on VW. Not discovering a car that met these necessities, he determined to make its personal.

Volkswagen Half-track Fox

Volkswagen Half-track Fox

Whereas it’s a true half-track, the Fox differs considerably from many mass-produced variations, which had been mostly utilized by Allied and Axis militaries throughout World Conflict II. The place these automobiles had a set of typical wheels on the entrance and a tank-like monitor meeting on the again, the Half-track Fox has 4 axles—every with its personal set of wheels.

The 2 entrance axles each have twin wheel units with 14-inch tires, and may each steer. The rear 13-inch wheels are joined along with a monitor comprised of aluminum and rubber blocks. Kretzner opted for this association as a result of, with typical entrance wheels, it could be simpler to steer than a fully-tracked car, based on VW. The 32.8-foot turning circle virtually permits the van to show inside its personal size, the automaker notes.

Energy is offered by the inventory 1.1-liter flat-4, which produces simply 33 hp. That limits prime velocity to 22 mph, which VW famous is a bit slower than an precise fox.

Volkswagen Half-track Fox

Volkswagen Half-track Fox

Kretzner seemingly deliberate to place this uncommon car into manufacturing, even publishing gross sales literature. Two extra are thought to have been constructed earlier than 1968, however their whereabouts are unknown.

The Half-track Fox saved a low profile earlier than being bought by the Porsche Museum of Gmünd, Austria, (to not be confused with Porsche’s official museum in Zuffenhausen, Germany), and was later offered to Bullkartei e.V.—a gaggle of Microbus fans. In 2005, this group began a restoration that was by no means accomplished. The Half-track Fox was then offered to VW in 2018, and is now a part of the heritage assortment of its industrial car division.

The restored Half-track Fox makes its public debut simply in time for the European launch of the electrical VW ID. Buzz. Scheduled to achieve the USA in 2023 as a 2024 mannequin, the ID.Buzz was impressed by the unique Microbus, and also will be in-built Hannover. It will most likely look fairly cool as a half-track, too.

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