mercedes-benz unimog 4x4 restored to its former glory

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. 

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.

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.