Krupp Protze - The Real Deal

The Krupp Protze was a six-wheeled German truck used extensively by German forces during World War Two on the Eastern Front and in North Africa, France, and Sicily. Commonly called “The Boxer,” it was mass-manufactured between 1933 and 1942. Powered by the Krupp M 304 four-cylinder engine, it generated 55 hp (the L2H43, 1933-36) or 60 hp (the L2H143, 1937-42). Total production was approximately 7,000 units.

While its main purpose was to tow artillery, especially the PaK 36, it was also used to transport infantry and for other utility uses:

• Kfz.19 – Telephone truck
• Kfz.21 – Staff car
• Kfz.68 – Radio mast carrier
• Kfz.69 – Standard configuration for towing the 3.7cm PaK 36
• Kfz.70 – Standard configuration for personnel transportation
• Kfz.81 – Ammo carrier conversion for 2cm Flak gun, usually towed
• Kfz.83 – Generator carrier for anti-aircraft spotlight, usually towed
• Sd.Kfz.247 Ausf. A – Armored personnel carrier, six-wheeled version. Only twenty built in 1937 before production went to Daimler-Benz who built the Ausf. B four-wheeled version in 1941 and 1942.

Sometimes the anti-tank (3.7cm PaK 36) and anti-aircraft (2cm Flak) guns were mounted directly to the bed of the truck.