1974 Faun Kraka Military Vehicle
Chassis no. 2320-12-157-1339

This unusual military vehicle was conceived in the early 1960s by Zweirad Union, a conglomeration of German motorcycle manufacturers, which at that time was a subsidiary of Faun, the well known manufacturer of commercial vehicles and large off-road dump trucks. Introduced in 1962, the Kraka was intended for use in the agricultural and forestry industries but met with a lukewarm reception, prompting its maker to explore the vehicle's potential for military purposes. In its new role the Kraka would be deployed as lightweight off-road transport to be dropped by parachute in support of the West German Bundeswehr's airborne forces, the lack of such a capability having limited the effectiveness of such units in WW2. Several important changes were made following the evaluation of prototypes, and in its developed form the Kraka was supplied to the Bundeswehr from the early 1970s onwards, a total of 862 being delivered. The Kraka remained in service into the 1990s.

We are advised by the private vendor that this ex-Bundeswehr Kraka was purchased from a female employee of the Metropolitan Police, and that it currently displays a total of circa 9,000 kilometres on the odometer. A purpose-built trailer for transporting the vehicle is included in the sale.