We went to Groombridge Place Gardens 'Wings Wheels & Steam' last Sunday and this was parked opposite. It looked in very good shape and with most original old parts to me with my very limited knowledge of Kubels, missing just a few odd bits to make it correct again. I didnt really talk to the man although he was very helpful but I just couldnt wait for him to finish a long winded story that in places I silently realised I possibly knew more about the vehicle spec than he did :oops: so sorry for my lack of patience :lol:

But I did wonder why, when they had only 3 Kubels did it end up on the wrong pan? Deliberately by Humber? ( Probably, when they wrote how rubbish it was, but secretly knew it was a very good vehicle 😳 :lol: ) Or simply by accident?

I guess there might have been a write up in a uk magazine from the distant past? Anyone else know it?

All I know is that even not being into Kubels I would really like to own this one if it's history/provenance is true!

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EEEEEEEEEEEEEK! could you please remove these pictures or at least blot out the symbol on the door

Anna.

I have an original copy of the 1943 Humber report. Only one vehicle is refered to throughout (from what I recall) and this indeed was a '41 model.
I am away from home at the mo, but I'll check when I get back next week.

If this is the vehicle refered to (or at least the chassis), then it probably is the oldest VW chassis in the UK.

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:lol:

...just got back home and checked my Humber report. Only ONE vehicle is stripped in the report. It states as follows: "In January 1943 , a German light aid detatchment vehicle (Volkswagen) was received by Humber Ltd, who were instructed to make a complete examination and prepare a technical report. The vehicle was captured in the Middle East (NOT TUNISIA/NORTH AFRICA) and it was ascertained that it was originally fitted with a gas welding kit for dealing with repairs to military vehicles..."

The following details are also given at the start of the report...

Engine capacity: 985cc
Year of manufacture: 1941
Ambi Budd Presswerk body no: 1777
Chassis number: 001339.

I've seen no references elsewhere to other vehicles being used as reference material in the writing of the Humber report. Would love to have a chat with the owner to find out what his take on the vehicle is...

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Given its seemingly genuine provenance I thought best not to mess with history so NO!

Thanks Rich, I only have the US report not the Humber one although I remember reading it in full somewhere years ago.
I think the guy has only owned it for 3/4 years. Its funny but when I see Kubels especially with straight looking bodies I almost instantly write them off as 'over-restored' even though given the timeline it is inevitable.
I think the coolest one to own would be a really knocked about one with lumpy bumpy patched up original skin. Oh in fact actually my favorite ever is the Grundmann's wonderful grey one.
That's just magic :d

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hmmm... :? I often think about the brand new ones, made in Czech Republic... Not original at all, but absolutely perfect repro... :shock:

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