DKW Munga (1956 – 1968) Review

The DKW Munga was created after the company successfully bid for the German Federal Army's contract for an all-purpose vehicle with an off-road capability. In doing so, it beat competition from both Porsche and Borgward, hitting the market in 1956. Originally fitted with the familiar three-cylinder 896cc two-stroke engine, it wasn’t powerful enough for the task in hand with an output of 40bhp. From 1958, the situation was reversed with the fitment of a 980cc 55bhp engine, which at least meant the Munga could cope with tough conditions.

The Munga had utilitarian styling with flat ribbed panels and a flat upright front screen, and most were open with canvas hoods. Although given the model designation F91/4 from 1962 it was officially described as a ‘Multi-Purpose Universal Off-Road Vehicle with All-Wheel Drive’, which the Germans contracted to the acronym, Munga. It remained in production until 1968 when the German army contact finally expired.