Germany's Maschinengewehrkraftwagen, M.G. Kw Kfz 13, Funkkraftwagen, Kfz 14 armored car
Nickname: badewannen "bath tubs"

Photos

Design

The German Heer (Army) had issued requirements for a light four wheeled armored car in the early 1930s.

Daimler-Benz developed a standard 4x2 car chassis that had an armored body added. The superstructures were produced by Deutsche Edelstahl.

Maschinengewehrkraftwagen means machine gun truck.

The Kfz 13 had poor cross country capabilities as it only had two wheel drive and a high center of gravity.

Chassis

The chassis of the Alter Standard 6 passenger car was used.

Body

The body had an open top and was made from all welded construction.

Engine

The engine and a 4 speed gear box were mounted in the front.

Crew

The driver was at the front and the commander was behind him.

Armament

The machine gun had a limited field of fire to the front. The machine gun had a small shield.

Production

• Kfz 13: 147, 150
  • Production: 1932 - 1934, 1932-1941, 1933, late 1933
  • Manufacturer: Daimler-Benz, Alder
• Kfz 14: 40
  • Production: 1932 - 1934, 1932 - 1941
  • Manufactured by: Daimler-Benz

Variants

• M.G.-Kraftwagen, Kfz 13: Machine gun carrier. Had a shield for the machine gun.
• Funkkraftwagen, Kfz 14: Radio car with frame aerial and long range radio. The aerial could be folded down when not in use. The range of the radio was around 20 miles.

Usage

Typically a section of Kfz 13s would operate with a Kfz 14.

Early War Use

The Kfz 13s and Kfz 14s were used in Poland, the low countries, and France. Some were still being used in non-motorized infantry units during the invasion of the Soviet Union.