1943-44 Opel Maultier Panzer-Werfer 42 | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 173

The National Military History Center

1943-44 Opel Maultier Panzer-Werfer 42

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$60,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
WH1409056
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: Opel Division of General Motors, Germany

Production Years: 1943-1944

Engine: No Engine – specifications call for: Opel OHV, 3.6-liter, 75-hp, eight-cylinder, liquid-cooled, gasoline

Length: 19-feet, 5-inches

Width: 7 feet, 2 inches

Height: 8-feet, 6-inches (to top of rocket launchers)

Weight: Approximately 7-tons (loaded)

Armor: Superstructure front, sides and rear: 8-mm - hull front, sides and rear: 8-mm - top and bottom: 6-mm

Armament: One 10-barreled rocket launcher mounted on an armored swivel mount

Maximum speed: Approximately 20-mph

Crew: Four

Markings: German 5th Panzer Division, Nebelwerfer Brigade

Demilitarized

In 1942, Opel began production of 2-ton Maultier (Mule) half-tracks at their Brandenburg / Havel plant. The Maultier reportedly originated from a field modification carried-out by the 2nd SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” during the winter of 1941-1942. Conditions on the Eastern Front, where already poor roads turned to seas of mud during rainy seasons and slush in the spring thaw, created almost impossible transportation situations for the wheeled truck units of the German army. A standard Ford 3-ton V3000S 4x2 truck was used as the basis of the conversion along with sets of Carden-Loyd tracks and bogey wheel assemblies from captured British Universal type carriers. In 1943, Opel was ordered to start production on an armored, self-propelled version of the Nebelwerfer rocket launcher based on the Maultier half-track. Combat experience demonstrated the vulnerability of the towed Nebelwerfers. Conspicuous smoke trails, which resulted from firing salvos of Nebelwerfer rockets, left the exposed crews vulnerable to counter-battery fire. The armored Maultiers corrected this by providing mobility and protection. 300 Opel Panzer-Werfer 42s were produced during World War II.

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