Remains of a German WWII Kübelwagen unearthed at Polish beach

An amateur amber collector  discovered remains of a military car on a beach in Pobierowo, North-western Poland. The object was identified as a Volkswagen Kübelwagen, possibly abandoned in 1945, in final months of World War II.

Cleaning of the remains (by Muzeum Oręża Polskiego w Kołobrzegu)

The man informed the museum officials from the Muzeum Oręża Polskiego in Kołobrzeg (Polish Arms Museum). The decision was made to salvage the remains as parts of the spindles, hub, drive shaft and control system were still visible and the vehicle needed to be saved from scrap collectors. The remains were unearthed and moved to the museum in Kołobrzeg, where they are to be carefully studied.

Close up of the vehicle (by Muzeum Oręża Polskiego w Kołobrzegu)

The exact story of this vehicle is unknown but it is suggested that it might have been abandoned in 1945, when 10000 German Nazi soldiers were pushed back to the shore line by the Red Army, but managed to form a counter-offensive which ended in their evacuation further to the West. The researchers state that the find is rather unique, as Polish museums do not own such vehicles. The Type 82 Kübelwagen was a light military vehicle designed by Ferdinand Porsche and built by Volkswagen during World War II for use by the German military. It is believed some 50000 such vehicles were produced.

Securing the find at the beach (by Muzeum Oręża Polskiego w Kołobrzegu)

(after Muzeum Oręża Polskiego w Kołobrzegu)

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