One of the most widely used WWII vehicles, the Kbelwagen Type 82 featured a lightweight monocoque body, four wheel independent torsion bar suspension and a 23.5hp air-cooled 4 cylinder 985cc engine. Based on Dr. Ferdinand Porsche's Volkswagen, the Type 82 possessed excellent maneuverability and handling, serving as a multi-purpose vehicle for the army as well as the Luftwaffe (air force). In total over 50,000 units were produced during WWII, with slight variations between models including shape of rear fender, under guard, turn signals and exhaust layout. The Kbelwagen was first deployed to the North Africa campaign in 1941, with a specialised Africa Corps version featuring balloon tires going into production from 1942. Designed to be more suited to desert conditions, the Africa Corps model was used during both the North Africa and Italian campaigns.