Just after World War 2, a couple of German engineers started to create a new type of agricultural verhicle. In contrast to existing tractors, this vechicle was based on 4 wheels of equal size with portal axles, 4-wheel drive, differential locks and was able to reach a decent top speed. Furthermore, it was possible to have a front and rear power take off (PTO) and even a side-version, in order to drive machines like sawmachines, agricultural machines and much more. The name was a contraction of the German Universal Motor Gerät (‘universal motor machine’). The vehicle was an immediate succes and was purchased by Mercedes in 1952.
Besides the somewhat slower agricultural versions, a fast and very universal model was soon introduced: Unomog S404.1. With a topspeed of 90km/h, you can find this model as a forest-firefighter or army ambulance, troopcarrier and radiotruck. The 404 is very populair and is produced from 1955 to 1980. Later on, they’re used as desert-rally-vehicle, expedition camper or promotional vehicle. They’re cheap and because of the large number of army vehicled produced, components are readily available. It’s the most populair ‘my first Unimog’.
The army used the successor of the 404.1 as well, the Unimog 1300 (U435). Together with a few different variants, this is the base for the modern Unimog. With highway-ready speed and very off-road capable, these are as versatile as before. Snowploughs, rail-kits, offroad ambulances and firefighters, a Unimog can do it all.
And this is how we get to our Unimog, variant U1550 (in the newer U437 series): cab stays the same, the majority of the components too. The engine is more powerfull and it’s the gateway to the new versions.
The Unimog is as popular as ever and you can find it all over the world. In the army, with the police, firefighters, municipals, railroads, airports and many more. You can even find the older models being driven around daily.
It’s truly a universal and indestructable vehicle.