Description
Mercedes-Benz Unimog 401 | 1955
Highlights:
– 1.7-litre four-cylinder OM 636 diesel engine, six-speed manual gearbox
– Delivered new to the Finnish military in 1955
– Restored in the 1990s and registered as a museum vehicle
– Open cab with soft-top roof bars, canvas not present
– Properly stored, chassis number 401101-5503979
The private seller offers for sale this 1955 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 401, powered by a 1.7-litre four-cylinder OM 636 diesel engine, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. This early Unimog began its working life in 1955 with the Finnish military, a fitting first assignment for a vehicle conceived from the outset as a rugged, go-anywhere workhorse. In the 1990s it was restored and subsequently registered as a museum vehicle in Finland. It is finished in a military olive green that suits its original role, with black steel wheels on deep-tread tyres, the characteristic flat-panelled bonnet with central grille, the fold-down windscreen and the drop-side load bed behind the cab. The cab is of the open type: the roof bars for the soft top are included, while the canvas itself is missing and would need to be sourced by the next owner. The seller reports that the Unimog has been stored properly, that it runs and drives, and that the last periodic inspection took place in 2006. First and second gear engage, while gears three to six resist engagement; the seller suspects that the gear shift linkage has seized, which is offered here as information for prospective buyers.
The Unimog, short for “Universal-Motor-Gerät”, was developed in post-war Germany as a universal motorised implement for agriculture: a tractor that could also travel at road speed, carry a load and drive implements via power take-offs. After the first series was built by Boehringer, Daimler-Benz took over the project and moved production to its Gaggenau works, where the 401 series was introduced in 1953. The concept was remarkable for its time, combining four-wheel drive with differential locks front and rear, portal axles for generous ground clearance, coil-spring suspension and four equally sized wheels. Power came from the OM 636 four-cylinder diesel, a robust and economical engine that also served in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and light commercial vehicles of the era.
What started as an agricultural machine quickly proved its worth far beyond the farm. Armed forces, fire brigades, utility companies and forestry services across Europe recognised the Unimog’s extraordinary off-road ability and versatility, laying the foundation for a model line that remains in production today and has become a byword for go-anywhere capability. The early 401 series, with its compact dimensions, simple mechanicals and unmistakable face, is now among the most sought-after Unimogs for collectors. This example, with its military background, its 1990s restoration and its museum registration, offers an authentic and characterful entry into the world of historic utility vehicles, whether for display, for events or as a project to bring fully back into regular use.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
