1980 Volkswagen Iltis Type 83

GR Auto Gallery is pleased to offer this 1980 Volkswagen Iltis to the American Market for the first time. Often called the European Jeep, the Volkswagen Iltis is powered by a 1.7L inline-4 cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels making this a capable off-road machine. This Volkswagen starts right up, runs smooth, and moves strongly through all four gears.

This example of Volkswagen Iltis served its previous life as an emergency services vehicle in Neuwied, Germany. It is finished in a bright coat of red paint, which is a color that was specific to emergency vehicles. The removable cabriolet roof can be taken off to open up the whole vehicle. Another interesting feature is that the windshield can fold forward, similar to the Jeeps of the era. 16-inch wheels are wrapped in Toyo All-Terrain Open Country tires, and a fifth, matching wheel and tire pair are mounted on the rear of this Iltis.

Creating contrast with the exterior, the black vinyl seats are in great condition and match the utilitarian theme. A soft top and foldable windshield would not protect occupants in the event of a rollover, so to prevent catastrophic events, Volkswagen installed a rollbar standard on the Iltis. Other interior features include an aftermarket Becker radio, controls for the fun exterior siren, fire extinguishers, and a medical kit.

Volkswagen, following their acquisition of Auto Union, produced the Iltis in an effort to win the German Government's bid to build a new military 4x4. Its main competition was the equally capable but much more expensive G-Wagen produced by Mercedes-Benz. The Iltis was originally produced under the name Volkswagen Type-181 and was chosen by the German Military. It became known as a rugged, durable, and capable off-roader that could be compared to the American Military's Jeeps.