1979 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 406 4x4 Utility

Footnotes

Designed in the aftermath of WW2 and still in production today, the Unimog 4x4 was intended to serve the needs of the agricultural community but, like the contemporary Land Rover, ended up filling an almost limitless variety of other roles. One of the Unimog's more unusual design features was a flexible chassis frame, effectively part of the suspension, while the equal-sized wheels meant that it was better suited for highway use than a conventional tractor. Power take-offs (PTOs) were provided to enable the Unimog to operate a wide variety of machinery: brush mowers, snow blowers, etc. Manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1951, the versatile Unimog has seen service with fire departments, municipal authorities, aid agencies and armies worldwide, and has won the truck class of the Dakar Rally more than once.

The vehicle offered here is an example of the 406 series, which was introduced in 1963 together with the long-wheelbase 416 and produced until 1988. All variants were powered by diesel engines of varying outputs, this six-cylinder Unimog having a 90bhp unit installed, which has 'clocked up' 4,649 hours of use. The vehicle is to full agricultural specification, featuring the rigid body; cabriolet cabin; 'cascade' gearbox; roll-bar; draw-bar and pickup hitch; and three-point linkages with top links front and rear. PTO speeds range from 540 to 1,000rpm.

'OEC 101V' was purchased by the vendor's company from a farmer in the Scarborough area, who said he had owned it for over 20 years. When his company was sold, the vendor purchased the vehicle for his own use. Restored during 2015/2016, it has been fitted with following new body parts: doors, front apron and corners, window frame and rubbers (front and side), front wheelarches, cabin headlining, seats, and the wooden bed. It has also been completely re-sprayed. Other parts renewed include the brakes and hand brake cables; rear shock absorbers; clutch; wiper blades; headlamps, rear lights, and indicators; battery box; tyres (x4); and the gear lever gaiter. Oils and filters have been changed. Bills are available and the vehicle also comes with a V5C document. Classed as an agricultural vehicle, the Unimog is exempt from road tax.