10 Facts about the VW Iltis - The grandaddy of quattro
Better known as the Iltis or "polecat", in German it provided the basis for the quattro system.
1. Split Personality
This vehicle started its life in Germany in the 1960's when there was a need to replace smaller all-terrain vehicles with a new and improved 4-wheel drive version. One of its first iterations was built by the AutoUnion, named the DKW Mungo, produced during 1956-1968. During the 1970's, due to delays of the project "Europa Jeep", Volkswagen responded with their version called the Volkswagen Type 181 (aka the "Thing" in the USA).
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2. Audi Drive train
If there is one thing well known about this vehicle, it was it's drivetrain. During its time, the suspension components used were based on the Audi 100. This was the basis for the all amazing quattro 4-wheel drive system Audi still utilizes today.
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3. Rally Winner
In 1980, an Audi-prepared Iltis won the Paris- Dakar Rally, a few months before the Audi quattro was first released.
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4. Army's choice
During the 1980's, the Iltis was offered to Canada, Estonian and Belgium Armed Forces where it lived on as the Iltis Bombardier. It served as a military vehicle as well as an ambulance or for use by the military police.
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5. Limited edition
For a short while, a "civilian version" was produced in Germany. This one featured less of the rugged looks of the Military version and came with a "soft" canvas top.
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6. One off
Besides having given birth to the all famous Audi quattro drivetrain, the Iltis had one other influence in the Automotive world. Citroen, a French automotive manufacturer, created the C-44. It was a Volkswagen based Iltis with a 1.8l Douvrin engine. Because this motor was mounted on its side, it was also called the "suitcase engine".
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7. Comfort
For an off-road, military vehicle, it was considered quite comfortable because it was fitted with 2 front leather seats from a Passat, Volkswagen's luxury grade vehicle for it's time.
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8. Easy at the pump
Because the motor has a low 8.2 : 1 compression ratio, it allowed users to opt for low octane gasoline making it efficient on fuel. When the Itlis was sold to Bombardier in the 80's, the vehicle was capable of being fueled by gasoline or diesel.
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9. Ahead of it's time
Back then, the vehicle benefited from a couple of different features. Many parts were interchangeable among other VW models such as the Beetle. The 181, for example, had portal axles which attributed to higher ride height. Low noise ignition systems were used for radio communication in military vehicles.
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10. Polecat
The word Itlis, is a German word for polecat. A type of ferret or mink.
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