The GDT was developed in the early 1950s by Maschinenbau Kiel for light and private railways.

Eleven units were built as driving cars (Triebwagen or VT) for north German private lines.

The Danish railway company Odsherreds Jernbane was supplied by MaK with two similar vehicles in 1961.

The engines each drove an inside axle on the bogie; only on the VT 81 delivered to the Kiel–Segeberg Light Railway (Kleinbahn Kiel–Segeberg) did the engines drive both bogie axles.

Only one vehicle has been scrapped to date, the others still exist, some in working order.