1957 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 404

This Unimog is a 1957 404 model. The 404 was introduced in 1955 and was predominantly designed for use by the Bundeswehr (West German armed forces). This example was painted blue at some point but has recently been part-restored and repainted in its factory shade of olive drab. The restoration has nearly been completed as the vehicle starts and steers, but there’s a little more still left to finish. Sadly, the vendor suffered a hand injury that has meant he’s no longer able to complete what’s left.

According to the vendor, said work consists mainly of accessory wiring (lights, gauges etc) and sorting out the brakes (fitted but not functioning consistently). The good news is that this Unimog starts, runs well, moves as it should in both reverse and forward gears and the differentials lock and operate as intended.

The overall finish of this Unimog is a little rough and ready but it’s still very presentable. The character of such a rugged vehicle is, if anything, enhanced by the odd imperfection. The huge flat-bed out back is sound – especially since there’s evidence of a small patch of new metal welded in. There’s the odd knock and dent but this is a working vehicle so does that even matter? The head and tail lights are brand new though have as mentioned have yet to be wired up.

All four wheels have been painted (by brush we think) and as a result, there’s a few tiny areas where this orange has found its way onto the tyre sidewalls. Speaking of the tyres, these are old and showing plenty of cracks, we’d replace them soon if you’re planning on covering many miles on the road; though they should be fine for the odd show or pottering around a paddock.

Overspray is sadly letting down what is otherwise a pretty good cab. The switches, dials and buttons on the dash have with been barely masked or haven’t been at all. That has meant a fairly dense covering of olive drab everywhere. The good news is that it won’t rust any time soon, but if it were us, we’d probably get out the thinners and tidy things up a little. The vendor also informs us that there is a hood for this cab in good, weather tight condition.

The good news continues as the seats are good. These secondhand replacements show very little wear, with just a cigarette-sized hole visible to the edge of the passenger seat vinyl. There’s not a whole lot more to the interior of a Unimog, there’s an engine lid that can be opened from either side to inspect the engine (which sits under the dashboard) and there’s a visible gap in the floor through which the transmission and transfer gear selectors protrude. Really, that’s about it.

Oddly, this Unimog appears better from underneath than it does from on top. The work that the vendor reports he carried out consists of the following; cab removed, welded and painted, frame hot-jet washed, primed and painted in 2k black gloss, original (seized) engine replaced with a Perkins 4236 4.0-litre diesel 4-cylinder (apparently rebuilt by the previous owner). Hand throttle and kill pull fitted and working. New battery trays and two 12V batteries fitted, plus all new wiring for earths, push starter and kill switch. Rebuilt starter motor, good working alternator (bench tested), new clutch & pressure plate, new brake reservoir. Engine oil changed along with the filter and sump gaskets. Radiator core repaired and new coolant hoses and clips fitted. Gearbox, front & rear diffs plus portal axle gear oil all replaced. Diesel tanks hot-jet washed, treated with POR tank sealer. New fuel lines fitted throughout. New stack exhaust (straight through). New Laminated front screens, new front and rear lights.

All of that explains why it looks so fresh under here. The only things we could find worth mentioning were a slight diesel leak from the fuel sender (top side) and some slightly untidy use of filler along the cab’s back corners.

Unfortunately, this vehicle was purchased without any service history, other than the V5C. That means we don’t know anything (other than hearsay) about its former life. Though we do know it was first registered in the UK in November 1982. To date it has had just three keepers. 

Unimogs are magnificent go-anywhere vehicles. They’re robust in the extreme and with this one having been recently checked over and nearly fully restored, it’s bound to continue to go anywhere for another 64 years.

There are still some areas of the body that require some more attention if you’re after a show-winner, but other than these, there’s just the wiring and brakes to sort before you can get on with enjoying this Unimog for the remainder of the fair days this summer. Then, when winter comes, why not make a bit on the side by hitching up a snow plough and digging your neighbours out?

Our estimate for this vehicle is £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is always encouraged and this car is located with the seller in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’