Unusual Vehicles is a segment that looks at a vehicle that defies normal conventions. Whether it has an unusual appearance, or can be used for multiple purposes, we’ll be featuring a unique vehicle on Inside Classics. The Unimog is an unconventional truck that was produced by Daimler and transitioned into a Mercedes-Benz vehicle in the 1950s. We’re taking a look at the history of the Unimog and how its role has evolved over time.
Creation
Albert Friedrich, the original designer of the Unimog, started work on a prototype in 1945. He wanted to create an agricultural vehicle for a post-war world. His idea involved a tractor that had four equal sized wheels with an output of 25 horse power. As Friedrich gained more designers for his team, the idea changed into what would become the Unimog.
When the Unimog was produced in 1951, it featured equal-size wheels and a flexible frame, becoming a tractor-truck hybrid. It was a self-propelled machine that could adapt to different types of terrain. What started out as a vehicle that was used for harvesting fields became something a lot more versatile.
Military use
The military realised how useful the Unimog could be in the field, which led to some heavy investment. Over the years, they’ve been used by British, French, Irish, Belgian, Danish, Portuguese and Greek soldiers. Unimogs are commonly used as troop transportation vehicles, ambulances and mobile command centres equipped with communication devices.
A Unimog’s off-road capabilities give it an advantage in remote terrain such as jungles and mountains. They can also operate in deep water and on muddy ground. This stems from their high ground clearance and large wheels.
Civilian use
The versatility of a Unimog has allowed it to be used in several other industries. Firefighters use them in emergencies and as equipment transporters. In mountainous areas, Unimogs are used to remove snow and clear paths.
In construction, Unimogs act as equipment and employee transporters. Their shape also makes them ideal road-rail vehicles, being modified to have flanged steel wheels so they can operate on train tracks.
The Unimog has remained a popular agricultural vehicle, hauling produce and animals. They have even been used in the tourism industry for safaris and jungle exploration.
Unimogs are one of the most adaptable vehicles in the automotive industry. They’ve been produced for decades and continue to be popular in the modern day.
