Iltis
The Volkswagen Iltis, produced from 1978 to 1988, is an off-road vehicle primarily designed for the German military. Equipped with a 1.7 L engine producing 75 hp, it is renowned for its durability and exceptional off-road capabilities. Although primarily military, a civilian version was introduced in 1979 but did not achieve significant commercial success. (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
Variants by year
1978
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Volkswagen Iltis, produced from 1978 to 1988, is an off-road vehicle primarily designed for the German military. Equipped with a 1.7 L engine producing 75 hp, it is renowned for its durability and exceptional off-road capabilities. Although primarily military, a civilian version was introduced in 1979 but did not achieve significant commercial success. (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
History
In the late 1970s, the German military commissioned Volkswagen to develop a successor to the DKW Munga. The result was the Type 183, known as the Iltis, a compact four-door, four-seater off-road vehicle. Equipped with a 1.7 L engine producing 75 hp, the Iltis was designed to offer high maneuverability and durability in challenging conditions. In 1983, the Canadian conglomerate Bombardier acquired the production license, manufacturing 2,500 modified units for the Canadian and Belgian armies between 1984 and 1986. Production ceased in 1988, with a total of 9,547 units produced. (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
Generations
The Iltis was produced in a single generation, the Type 183, from 1978 to 1988. This unique model was available in both military and civilian versions, although the civilian version did not achieve significant commercial success. (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
Key differences
The main differences between the military and civilian versions of the Iltis lie in equipment and finishes. The civilian version, introduced in 1979, offered enhancements such as sports seats, an upgraded dashboard, and 15-inch wheels, aiming to attract private consumers. However, despite these improvements, the civilian version did not achieve significant commercial success. (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
Photo recognition
To identify a Volkswagen Iltis, look for a compact four-door off-road vehicle with an open body. It is equipped with 15-inch wheels and features simple, functional lines. Civilian versions can be distinguished by enhanced interior finishes, such as sports seats and a more sophisticated dashboard. (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
Important versions
The civilian version of the Iltis, introduced in 1979, is notable for its enhancements aimed at attracting private consumers, although its commercial success was limited. The military versions, produced in larger numbers, are recognized for their durability and exceptional off-road capabilities. (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
References
- Iltis (1978–1988) | Volkswagen NewsroomVolkswagen
- https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/de/iltis-19781988-19697volkswagen-newsroom.com
- https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/engine-versions-iltis-profile-19699volkswagen-newsroom.com
- https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/de/motorversionen-iltis-steckbrief-19699volkswagen-newsroom.com
- https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/de/fahrzeugdaten-iltis-steckbrief-19698volkswagen-newsroom.com
- https://www.auto-data.net/en/volkswagen-iltis-183-generation-1893auto-data.net
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Volkswagen Iltis produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1978.