LPT (Lekki Pojazd Terenowy)

The LPT (Lekki Pojazd Terenowy, 'light all-terrain vehicle') was a six-wheeled Polish military prototype built largely from Fiat 126p components. It was designed by the army's armour and automotive technology institute (WITPiS) in Sulejówek and built by Zakłady Motoryzacyjne nr 5 in Poznań. Around ten prototypes were made; one source says they were ready in October 1975, another dates the vehicle to 1978. It was intended to recover wounded soldiers from the battlefield.

Design

Engine, clutch, a modified gearbox, drive shafts, axles, wheels, tyres, suspension, brakes, steering and electrics all came from the Fiat 126p. The 652 cc air-cooled two-cylinder produced 24 PS, driving the middle and rear axles (6x4) through a four-speed gearbox and a two-speed transfer box. The body was made of glass-fibre. The LPT was 3.35 m long and 1.65 m wide, weighed 640 kg as an open vehicle (850 kg with a soft top) and could carry the driver and five passengers or about 400 kg.

Not every prototype could swim. The amphibious examples had a single folding propeller at the rear, engaged by an electromagnetic clutch. Speed was about 80 km/h on land and 6-8 km/h afloat.

Later history

Instead of military service, the LPT became known through two films about the literary character 'Pan Samochodzik'. One example is displayed at the technology and communications museum in Szczecin. Another was later offered for sale in Germany: it had been converted to rear-axle drive only and fitted with a Mercedes diesel engine, and its propeller was missing.