A new addition to the already superb Crisbecq Command bunker museum in 2024.
The Sonderkraftfahrzeug 247 Ausf. B – to give it its full title – was an armoured car used by the German army from 1941 and largely fulfilled a cross-country staff car and reconnaissance role.
Lightly armoured, it would carry a commander, a driver, and four troops, and later versions often included radio antenna, as is displayed on this model.
The first versions – the Ausf.A - were built by Krupp from 1937 and featured six wheels where the Ausf.B second variant was a four wheeled vehicle. The ‘B’ versions were manufactured by Daimler-Benz between 1941 and 1942. A total of 10 A versions and 58 B versions were built.
It was powered by a front-mounted Horch petrol engine which gave 80hp with a maximum speed of 50mph and range from 170 miles on rough terrain to around 250 miles on roads.
Having experienced a full-speed drive over bumpy terrain in it, we can vouch that you’ll want to travel on the roads!
This vehicle has starred in around eight movies, including the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Fury’ with Brad Pitt.