Ebay auction for a P3

[iannima]

This is an auction worth watching...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...ayphotohosting
The P3 was the East German attempt at developing a 4x4 light vehicle.

[iannima]

I have never driven one, but I understand from well informed sources (i.e. someone who has) that it is a classical example of German over-engineering ultimately destined to failure...

The amazing thing about it is how remarkably similar it looks to equivalent West German vehicles of the time such as the Volkswagen Iltis or the Auto Union Munga... Which translated in plainer words means that they are all as ugly as sin...
Which is rather odd compared to the functional and yet rather cute appearance of a WW2 Kübelwagen. But I suppose that one had been designed by Dr. Porsche himself...
The P3 is a very rare beast and parts availability is limited. Its usage by the NVA did not make a lot of sense given that a key characteristic of all other Soviet produced vehicles was a) simplicity and b) commonality of parts. It will be interesting to see how much this beautifully maintained example is going to fetch

[Kozlov]

Interesting post Matteo!

Looks in lovely condition but I feel might represent a real nightmare in terms of maintenance!

I shall hold out for my dream BTR-70.... *sigh*

[iannima]

Andy,
I know of one Propaganda version of the P3, for sale here in the UK. Apparently it is in practically brand new conditions with only a few hundred Km. on the clock, with loudspeakers rising on a telescopic mast at the back... It would be great fun for our shows. However £5,500 for a vehicle that really did not have parts support even when it was in production 40 odd years ago is a bit steep for me...

[Kozlov]

Oh a propaganda vehicle would fit with WPFG aims and objectives 200% ;-)

Very nice!

[Viktor]

Genossen,
Do you think of this Rezident has such a vehicle, do you think he and it would be thrown off site as a "Nuisance "....I do... .

[Kozlov]

But what a way to go! Leaving under the cover of a propaganda barrage!

[Dag]

This is an auction worth watching...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...ayphotohosting
The P3 was the East German attempt at developing a 4x4 light vehicle.

All,

The P3 was not "an attempt to develop a 4X4". It was the successor of the P2, which even existed in an amphibious version (P2S). It all started with the P1.
The P3 was produced between 1962 and 1966. 3000 P3 were delivered to the NVA (others to the Police, Forestry commission etc). It was of a modern design, even by todays standard. I have seen them until the late 70ies in use by the NVA (Rostock, Lange Strasse) and I do not agree that spares weren't avilable 40 years ago. especially not since they just finished production in 1966 and also because there specific requirements regarding spares provision to the armed forces.
What is tru is that the spares situation today is very dire. It is virtually impossible to get new/replacement torsion bars. engine, and gearboxes (main and reduction box) are very difficult to find. The P3 available in the UK (B.Boys) is overpriced, even as a rather rare vehicle.

That production ceased had nothing to with the quality and/or reliability of the vehicle but with the standardisation of equipment within the Warsaw Pact. East germany also produced a very good 6x6 truck, the G5. This even had a Diesel engine. Howeever, due to the above mentioned standardisation, the Ural 375D became the standard 6x6 truck, including the thirsty V8 Petrol engine.

[iannima]

All,
The P3 available in the UK (B.Boys) is overpriced, even as a rather rare vehicle.

That is what I thought too but if you watch the auction I posted it is already past that price and the reserve has not been met yet

[torstenbel]

That is what I thought too but if you watch the auction I posted it is already past that price and the reserve has not been met yet

just had a look at it again...wow... more than 8000 Euros already and still more than two days to go...

[Dag]

That is what I thought too but if you watch the auction I posted it is already past that price and the reserve has not been met yet

Well, that is up to the individuals, isn't it? I checked it with guys I know back in Germany. They assured me that the max price for a good vehicle much less. Over the last 10 years or so they managed to rebuilt three P3's. They have the facilities to do it and even take vehicles which have cannot be restored, just to have, possibly, templates for panels etc.

Mind you, I have to add that the guys actually take their restored vehicles off road!

[iannima]

well... the final price was 10,000 €
I said that it was worth watching...