~ Auto Buzz ~: Hemmings Find of the Day – 1943 NSU Kettenkraftrad

Tuesday, 11 August 2015

Hemmings Find of the Day – 1943 NSU Kettenkraftrad

The problem with motorcycles is this: they aren’t very practical on snow or ice, or even in deep sand and mud. The logical solution is to own something with more wheels and additional capabilities, but for hardcore riders the thought of driving a cage just isn’t appealing. This 1943 NSU Kettenkraftrad (or Kettenkrad for short) may be the ideal solution; like a motorcycle, it delivers the freedom of open-air motoring, but thanks to its rear track drive is largely impervious to the whims of Mother Nature. Used for troop transport, cable laying and later, as aircraft tugs, Kettenkrads were designed to climb a 24-degree grade on loose sand, or far more on solid ground. Kettenkrads proved so versatile that production resumed at the end of the war, when the vehicle was marketed for agricultural use. From the seller’s description:

World War Two German Military Kettenkraftrad

Vehicle Overview:

– Manufacturer: Opel

– Month/Year Produced: Vehicle was wartime manufactured in December 1943/January 1944

– Vehicle has several minor field modifications made during the war, and evidence of minor shrapnel damage.

Engine Overview:
– Complete overhaul with many new parts; 465km since overhaul.
– Babbitt metal rod bearings replaced with modern shell type bearings.
– New pistons, rings, cam bearings, main bearings, rocker arms and rocker arm shaft, timing gears, oil pump, gaskets fuel pump.
– Cylinder head fitted with hardened valve seats and stainless steel valves for unleaded fuel.
– Original exhaust pipe covered with spray-weld aluminum to prevent deterioration.
– All rotating parts of engine were dynamically balanced for smooth operation.
– Adapted for modern oil filter.

Drive Train Overview:
– Transmission disassembled and all bearings replaced.
– Differential and side drives were totally reconditioned.
– Body and running gear were totally disassembled.
– Body and front fork chemically cleaned and phosphated to prevent rust. No rust anywhere on this vehicle.
– Swing arms removed and Bakelite bushings replaced with Delrin. Most wheel bearings replaced.
– Tracks rebuilt and fitted with Delrin bearings.
– Road wheel tires are new replacements and some serviceable originals. Front tire is possibly original.
– Track pads original with some replacements.
– Clutch and brakes all rebuilt and work perfectly.
– Drive sprocket wheels rebuilt with new hardened pins and rollers.

Items removed from this Kettenkraftrad during rebuild but Included with sale:
– Original wartime 6 volt generator
– Original wartime cooling turbine and linkage

Buyer can return vehicle to original war time configuration with the installation of these parts.

Also included with the sale; a custom dual axel trailer.
Vehicle resides in the state of Illinois, USA.
Vehicle has been with current owner for past 24 years and in year round dry storage.