Kurogane Type 95. Japanese scout car

The Type 95 was a Japanese scout car built by Tōkyū Kurogane Industries (東急くろがね工業) and was used during the war with China and World War II in the East.

It was the only completely Japanese designed reconnaissance car ever used by the Imperial Japanese Army, which tended to use civilian cars. Its nickname is the “Yonki” (よんき) which in Japanese means “all-wheel drive”. In the field, soldiers often called it the “daruma” after the Buddhist symbol for good luck.

The Type 95 accommodated three persons – two in the front and one in the back. It had advantages over the Type 97 motorcycle used by the Japanese Army, which had much less off-road mobility, and so limited troop mobility. It had tall wheels which helped it to travel over rough terrain, mud and snow.

Made in Japan

Years of production: 1936-1944

Production: 4700

Engine: 2 cylinders; ≈1300 cm³

Power: 33 HP

Max. speed: 75 km/h

Range: 475 km

Weight: 1100 kg

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