In the early stages of WWII, Germany won many victories using the Blitzkrieg strategy. These triumphs made the Wehrmacht keenly aware of the importance of mechanized units and the need for reliable transport vehicles. In spring 1940, the Schell Programme was introduced to standardize and increase ease of production of wheeled vehicles used in the German Army. One vehicle from the 1.5 ton class was the Austrian-made all wheel drive Steyr 1500A/01, which featured a distinctive rounded hood and front guard, used the 1500A truck chassis, had a torsion bar front and leaf spring rear suspension, and could accommodate up to 8 passengers. The 1500A/01 had a four speed transmission which effectively transmitted the power of the air-cooled 8-cylinder 85hp engine and had a 100km/h on-road top speed. Towards the end of the war, some vehicles were produced with bullet-proof windows and reinforced steel plates on the doors. 12,450 units were produced between 1941 and 1944 and they were used in a variety of roles such as staff car, HQ transport, artillery tow truck, and ambulance. They could be seen at every front from the Balkans and Russia to North Africa. It came to prominence in Tunisia where it was highly regarded for its reliable engine and mobility.
A detailed kit to build the German Steyr Type 1500A/01. Featuring detailed suspension and the large soft skin truck body of the popular Steyr 1500A/01. Includes 4 infantry figures wearing tropical uniforms. 3 kinds of markings included for the Steyr.