The Gurgel X-15 and G-15. Two weird Brazilian off-roaders built from VW parts.

The 1970s were one of the happiest periods for engineer João Augusto Conrado do Amaral Gurgel. In addition to the Xavante X-12 SUV, the industrialist diversified his line with the X-20 in 1977, a pickup truck of considerably larger dimensions.

A year later, the company based in Rio Claro (SP) presented a new concept of utility vehicle: the X-15 SUV. Originally developed for military use, it was characterized by a rustic and brutal design, with straight and angular lines very similar to those of an armored vehicle.

The most striking style element was the enormous bumper with built-in headlights, with enough height to face the steepest slopes.

The off-road capability was typical of the brand, evidenced by the good entry and exit angles (50 and 45 degrees, respectively), short wheelbase (223 cm or 7’3.8″) and high ground clearance (35 cm or 13.78 in).

The lack of 4×4 traction was partially compensated by the Selectraction system, acting as a selective locking of the rear wheels activated by two levers between the front seats.

Both were powered by the traditional VW 1600 air-cooled engine, working in conjunction with the four-speed gearbox and intermediate differential ratio (4.125:1).

The long-standing partnership with Volks resulted from a personal relationship between João Gurgel and Bobby Schultz-Wenk, the first president of the Brazilian subsidiary.

From the VW Bus came the wheels, brakes, steering box, front suspension with torsion bars and reduction boxes on the rear wheels.

As in the Xavante X-12, the rear suspension used springs The chassis was made of helical coil springs and the structure was made of a tubular chassis covered in fiberglass-reinforced plastic called Plasteel, with a 100,000 km warranty.

Presented at the 1978 Auto Show, the first series was offered with or without a canvas top.

The civilian version was only offered with a fixed windshield with two asymmetrical flat panes of glass, the largest of which faced the driver’s field of vision. Access for the seven passengers was via one door on the left side and two on the right side.

The visual highlights of the rear were the horizontal tail lights (also from the Bus), the spare tire and the auxiliary fuel can with 20 liters or 5.3 gal. The most attentive did not take long to notice the robust sump guard.

The interior followed the same Spartan standard of functionality: the gear lever, handbrake, door handles, seat belts, dashboard instruments and ignition switch were the same as those used in the VW line. The driver’s visibility was improved by his position, right above the front axle.

In 1979, the G-15 pickup was introduced, with a closed single cabin and a bed similar to that of the X-20. The civilian appearance was reinforced by the windshield composed of two flat panes of equal dimensions, which would also be used in the X-15 TR (hardtop), completely closed and with four identical doors to reduce production costs.

Both received constant velocity joints in 1981. The G-15 became larger, with 10 cm or 4 in more between the axles and 10 cm or 4 in more in the rear overhang, and gained the option of a double cabin with four doors.

Special versions were also developed for the police and fire departments: based on the X-15 TR, the Van-Guard motorhome did not leave the prototype phase.

Integrated into the military forces and exported to several countries, the X-15 and G-15 were discontinued in 1982, when they were replaced by the G800 series utility vehicles.

Today, it is still possible to see some examples on the streets, almost always driven by enthusiasts who miss the time when Gurgel called itself a “very national” manufacturer.

SPECIFICATIONS

ACCELERATION: Not Disclosed

TOP SPEED: 115 km/h (71.46 mph)

CONSUMPTION
·Urban: 7 km/l (16.46 mpg)
·Highway: 10 km/l (23.52 mpg)

ENGINE: longitudinal, 4-cylinder opposed, 1,584 cm³, valve control in the block, powered by two carburetors; 60 hp (SAE) at 4,600 rpm; 11.4 mkgf at 2,600 rpm

GEARBOX: 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

DIMENSIONS
·Length – 372 cm (12’2.46″)
·Width – 190 cm (6’2.8″)
·Height – 188 cm (6’2″)
·Wheelbase – 223 cm (7’3.8″)
·Weight – 1,050 kg (2,314.85 lbs)

TIRES: 7.35×15

SOURCE: https://quatrorodas.abril.com.br/noticias/classicos-gurgel-x-15-o-jipao-militar-com-alma-de-kombi-e-sem-tracao-4×4

by OriginalPapaya8