Description
Volkswagen Iltis | 1978
Highlights:
– 1.7-litre 4-cylinder engine, petrol, manual transmission, four-wheel drive
– Former military vehicle, originally used as a field radio (communications) vehicle
– Open utility body with a removable soft top
– Presented in period-correct military specification
The seller offers for sale this 1978 Volkswagen Iltis, powered by a 1.7-litre 4-cylinder engine, paired with a manual transmission and four-wheel drive. Finished in matte military green, the car has an open utility body with a removable soft top, photographed both fitted and removed. This example started life as a military vehicle, originally serving as a field radio, or communications, vehicle. The seller describes it as a capable 4×4 suited to covering long distances, and as would be expected of a vehicle of this age and background, it shows some typical signs of wear and use.
Developed by Volkswagen in the 1970s as a replacement for the earlier DKW Munga, the Iltis was built primarily for the German Bundeswehr and was also adopted by other European armed forces, including Belgium’s, giving this example a genuine and well-documented military heritage. Under the skin, the Iltis shared its running gear with contemporary Audi models, and its four-wheel-drive system would go on to have an outsized influence on the wider automotive world: the knowledge gained from the Iltis’s off-road drivetrain fed directly into the development of the Audi Quattro system, which went on to transform rallying and road car engineering alike.
With its simple, rugged construction, high ground clearance and low-range four-wheel drive, the Iltis was built to go anywhere with a minimum of fuss, and that no-nonsense character remains very much intact today. The open, utilitarian cabin and canvas top give it real charm and character, while its place in automotive history as a forerunner to the Quattro system adds an extra layer of interest for enthusiasts beyond the usual military vehicle crowd. For a buyer after a usable, characterful piece of four-wheel-drive history, this Iltis is well worth a look.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Condition of the interior
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
