During WW2 there was a 4x4 light vehicle developed in Agrentince, under a Nandu designation. In the linked webpage you may find some information on it:
What is interesting, any available online information doesn't contain data on the Nandu's dimensions.
Perhaps somebody here knows them?
Any input would be appreciated.
Best regards,
Piotr
The Argentine Army authorized the Directorate of Materials to begin the study and construction of prototypes to equip the force (the Nahuel, armored and the Ñandú 4x4). The first vehicle developed was called Ñandú, located within the all-terrain category. The project and construction was in charge of the Engineer Martín Reuter, (reserve officer) carrying out the works in the workshops of the Esteban De Luca Arsenal in the city of Buenos Aires. At that time, there was no literature or standard elements to develop the four-wheel drive system, the front-wheel drive of Citroën and DKW was considered, deciding on the latter, because it was more feasible to manufacture Jung homokinetic joints in the country. The gearbox was designed by Reuter, having 3 speeds at the top and high and low at the bottom, with an output for each differential. The chassis consisted of two rectilinear U-section profiles, joined by welded cross members. The engine was built entirely in the country, in the Santini Foundries, the crankshaft was made from a piece of turned Siemens Martin steel. The prototype was tested on eceiving Jeep Willys from Belgium at 700 dollars. 4 prototypes were manufactured, the first was taken to a museum in a barracks, losing track of it, the other 3 were auctioned off by the Municipal Bank, one was bought by Engineer Reuter, who later gave it to a collaborator, Mr. Victorino (who had done the sheet metal work). The vehicle was acquired by Claudio Pizzico, rebuilding it after a year of work *September 11, 1945. In 1946, authorization was requested from the Ministry of Economy to produce it in series, but it was not authorized, saying that its construction was very expensive since Argentina was receiving Jeep Willys from Belgium at 700 dollars. 4 prototypes were manufactured, the first was taken to a museum in a barracks, losing track of it, the other 3 were auctioned off by the Municipal Bank, one was bought by Engineer Reuter, who later gave it to a collaborator, Mr. Victorino (who had done the sheet metal work). The vehicle was acquired by Claudio Pizzico, rebuilding it after a year of work .
Here are some pics (no. 1-2) that I uploaded in TANKS! in 2004. The third comes from an original given to me by the late Lieut Col. C. Doglioli in 2006. The engine was a 76 hp designed by Reuter.
See:
- "Mailer Edu. - Argentina tanks". Archived from the original on October 29, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2008.
