juxtaposing a dainty aesthetic with huge off-road capabilities, this blue mecedes-benz ‘unimog’ appears to be perfectly frozen in time. the ‘unimog’s’ most unusual features are perhaps its flexible chassis frame, an integral part of the suspension, and the same-sized wheels. this particular vehicle is an example of the ‘406’ series, 353 of which were built between 1974 and 1986. 

mercedes-benz unimog 4x4 restored to its former glory
all images © bonhams

 

originally delivered to the air force for towing aircraft, the mercedes-benz ‘unimog’s’ most extraordinary achievement was winning the  paris-dakar rally by accident in 1982 and 1985 – several teams competing in the event only used the 4×4 as their support vehicle, meaning even though it qualifies in the truck class, it still had a lot of keeping up to do with the more agile vehicles in the car, off-road vehicles and motorcycle classes.

mercedes-benz unimog 4x4 restored to its former glory

 

 

the engine is an original replacement unit and displays 1.478 service hours, while the transmission has six forward and two reverse gears. it features a new 24 volt batteries of the 24-volt battery, a battery switch, a 12 V socket, a switch for all-wheel drive, a hydraulic front and auxiliary unit sprocket drive,  plus a laterally installed charger with integrated dust boxes.

mercedes-benz unimog 4x4 restored to its former glory

mercedes-benz unimog 4x4 restored to its former glory

mercedes-benz unimog 4x4 restored to its former glory

mercedes-benz unimog 4x4 restored to its former glory