NSU Kettenkrad classic cars for sale

History of the NSU Kettenkrad

The NSU Kettenkrad, designated as Sd.Kfz. 2, emerged in the 1940s as a response to the German military's need for a lightweight, multifunctional vehicle. Originally engineered by NSU Motorenwerke AG, the Kettenkrad was powered by an Opel Olympia 1.5-litre engine and was capable of traversing difficult terrains where conventional wheeled vehicles would struggle. Its name derives from 'Ketten' (tracks) and 'Krad' (abbreviation of 'Kraftrad', meaning motorcycle). Deployed on the Eastern Front, in North Africa, and later adapted for airport towing duties, the Kettenkrad became one of the most distinctive vehicles of its time. After the war, some units saw use in agricultural and forestry applications.

Model History

The NSU Kettenkrad stands alone in its segment, as there was no direct predecessor or successor within the NSU line-up or among German tracked motorcycles. Its design was based on motorcycle principles but adapted to a tracked configuration, filling a unique niche during its period of production. Production began in 1940, and the series evolved slightly to improve ergonomics and reliability until the end of the war, when production ceased. No further developments or modern successors followed.

Highlights and Features

The NSU Kettenkrad is distinguished by its combination of a motorcycle fork with a tracked drive system, enabling unmatched off-road capability for its size. Riders benefit from motorcycle-style steering at low speeds, transitioning to tracked steering at higher speeds for greater control. The 1.5L engine provided reliability and modest power, suiting the light utility and towing roles it was designed for. The Kettenkrad's utilitarian look, practical engineering, and historical context make it a true piece of engineering history.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Special configurations of the NSU Kettenkrad included adaptations for use as aircraft tugs on airfields, sometimes fitted with additional equipment such as winches or towing hitches. However, there were no official factory 'special editions' or limited runs in the usual sense. Vehicles that retain original military fittings or rare field modifications are especially valued among collectors.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The NSU Kettenkrad delivers surprising capability given its compact engine. Off-road, the combination of tracks and motorcycle steering gives the driver precise control over challenging terrain, a major factor in its effectiveness during military deployment. The drivetrain is robust, but the complexity of the steering system and the transition between front wheel and track control can demand careful attention during maintenance. Handling is unique; at low speeds the front fork provides direction, while at higher speeds, the tracked system dominates. Fuel consumption is relatively high for the displacement, reflecting its primarily utility-focused application. The standard Sd.Kfz. 2 configuration is most commonly seen; variants with original field equipment or agricultural adaptations attract additional interest from specialist collectors.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Designed first and foremost for practicality, the Kettenkrad features a robust steel hull, simple seating for a driver and up to two passengers, with minimal comfort features as expected from a wartime utility vehicle. There is no enclosed cabin or weather protection. Functional accessories such as tow bars, winches, or additional equipment racks are often seen on surviving units. Paintwork historically ranged from Wehrmacht Dunkelgelb to field camouflage, depending on production date and theatre of service. No luxury features or special interior trim were provided.

Other Relevant Features

Some postwar Kettenkrads were repurposed for agricultural or forestry work, highlighting the cross-purpose functionality of the drive system and design. A handful remain in operable condition within museum and private collections.

Summary

The NSU Kettenkrad stands as one of the few serially produced tracked motorcycles, engineered for utility and battlefield efficiency. With its distinctive drivetrain, military heritage, and specific engineering solutions, the Kettenkrad is of great interest to technology and history enthusiasts. Surviving examples remain rare and are mainly sought by collectors with an eye for engineering oddities and military history.