Type 95 Kurogane 4WD Japanese Military Car

Kurogane, meaning "Black Metal" is Japanese Army first 4WD Military Passenger Car. It was developed by Tetsushi Makita with the Nihon Nainenki corporation. It was unique, because it was the only Japanese military passenger car ever created and used by the army. The Japanese always prefer a civilian vehicle for military passenger car.

Tetsushi Makita, who had been involved with the development of the Otomo and Ares with Junya Toyokawa in the Hakuyosha Company, moved to a new position with the Nihon Jidosha Corporation, becoming responsible for the design of the JAC motor bike, New Era three-wheeler and Kurogane. This company became Nihon Nainenki in 1932 and focused on producing a three-wheeled version of the Kurogane. However, the Japanese army instructed Nainenki to develop Japan's first 4-wheel drive vehicle, which was formally adopted and mass-produced as the Type 95. Characterized by a water-cooled engine and low weight, the Kurogane's double wishbone independent front suspension and large tires meant that it was highly suitable for traversing rough terrain. * It should be noted that the joints of the front-wheel drive axles were all cruciform joints. 

Source: 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology

The Kurogane was primarily used as a scout car and served the Japanese Army as well as the Navy. 4775 units were made during WW2.

Ace Model has produced a 1/72 version of the Kurogane Type 95 Model 5. While Tamiya produced a 1 /48 version of 4x4 Type 95 Kurogane - Light Vehicle.


Image Credit : Tamiya USA and Ace Models