5.7 Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Fuel Injected
80bhp at 2,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Portal Axels with Coil Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Amazing Unimog Flexiloader
*Restored and ready for action
*Known history with tremendous file

THE UNIMOG

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 MOTORCAR OFFERED

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 an 80bhp unit installed. This particular Ruthmann Unimog is completed in the desirable flexiloader configuration, also known as the "Niederflurhubwagen" ("low floor elevating truck"). In an incredible feat of engineering, the wheels are hydraulically extended out from underneath the bed, allowing the bed of the truck to be lowered to the ground so that a vehicle can be driven right onto the bed without the use of ramps. The bed can then be raised back into place and the wheels retract back underneath the vehicle. The action is mesmerizing to watch and really must be viewed.

Unlike many of its siblings, this Unimogs history is known from new. Born in Germany and followed by time in Belgium, the hauler was brought to the U.S. in 2001 and acquired by the Schnuerer collection in 2008. Upon acquiring the vechicle, Mr. Schnuerer commissioned and extensive restoration. The immense history file has well over $50,000 in receipts for the work performed.

Today, the vehicle is in great working order and is sure to be the main attraction at any event it attends, whether carrying another vintage car on its back or arriving solo. This is a rare opportunity to take home one of the most interesting and seldom seen Mercedes-Benz Unimogs produced.