Kurogane 1937

Japan

Type 95

A

Type 95

Official designation: Type 95 - 4 X 4 Scout Car
Common designation: Black Medal
Type: Light Unarmed Reconnaissance Vehicle
Manufacturer: Kurogane
Engine: 4-stroke, 2-cylinder V-I-A-F, air-cooled 1399-cc, gasoline
Transmission: 3 forward, 1 reverse
Horsepower: 33
Crew: 1 - 4
Weight (lbs): 2310 - 2425
Length (feet): 11.2 Width (feet): 5
Height (feet): 5.5 Wheelbase (feet): 6.6

History: The Type 95 Scout Car had its origins due to the passage of the Military Automobile Subsidy Act, which officially established the Japanese automobile industry in 1928. Japan’s annual production began at 460 vehicles but grew to 43,551 by 1940. The Type 95 was a lightweight 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle that was developed after the Manchurian incident which demonstrated to the Japanese Army the need for such a vehicle. The Type 95 was built by Kurogane and was the Japanese army’s only totally native designed vehicle of its type. Most of the others were derived from American designs. This car was first manufactured in 1937 and was the most widely used machine of its type by Japanese forces on all fronts during World War II. There were a variety of body types and the total number produced was around 4,800. This was the “Jeep” for the Japanese army and was nicknamed ‘Black Medal’.

Features: A 4-stroke, 2-cylinder V-I-A-F 1399-cc air-cooled gasoline engine supplied power. It could develop 33 bhp. The air-cooled engine was ideal for the cool climates it was required to work in such as Manchuria and northern China.