1941 Ford V8-G81 Cabriolet German Staff Car.

German passenger car built at a subsidiary of the American Ford concern in Germany in the late 1930s, based on the American Ford V8 automobile. Production lasted from 1938 to 1941, during which time more than 8,000 were produced. With the outbreak of World War Two, many Ford V8 G81As were requisitioned from private owners and transferred to German military units.

Cars of this type were extensively used during the Blitzkrieg when the countries of Europe had a wide network of good quality roads. But after the beginning of the Eastern campaign, the use of these vehicles turned out to be impractical due to the road surfaces deteriorating to a terrible state in the autumn and spring, or the limited availability of any roads at all. In Germany the G81A Cabriolet was used mainly as a police car until 1944. A number of different versions of the G81A were developed including the convertible with an open top. These cars were mainly used in combat units as personal transports for middle-ranking officers.

9 sprues. Choice of markings for 4 staff cars: (1) WL-171140, unknown Luftwaffe unit, Ukraine, Summar 1941; (2) WH-923333, Eastern Front, Heeresgruppe Nord, 16. Armee, 87 Infantry Div, 25(Art) Headquarters Battery (Motorised), Latvia, Summer 1944; (3) SS76134, Waffen SS War Correspondent Company (Motorised), France 1940; (4) IA-139904, 3 Panzer Division, Signal Company, Army Group Centre, Eastern Front, Summer 1941. (Figures not included).

1:35 scale plastic model kit from Roden, requires paint and glue.