The Kurgane 95 was a 4WD production model car with part-time 4WD, through the use of a transfercase. Production began in 1936, preceding both the Russian GAZ and the BRC/Ford GPs/Willys MA pre-production models, which means it could be considered the first production part-time 4WD vehicle. However, it did not have low range, which was an important attribute of the jeep.
There are only four known Kurgane 95 vehicles left in the world. You can read more about them on Jalopnik or on Wikipedia. It’s very reminiscent of the 1930s American Bantam Roadsters.
PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA – Soviet soldiers posing with a captured Type 95 following the Battle of Khalkin-Gol.
Wow: what a cool vehicle! Love the engine and even the look/stance… just wish I could understand the Russian narrator in the Jalopnik video. I didn’t notice if any of the few remaining are here in the U.S. to see in person.