The Unimog made its debut as a Mercedes-Benz vehicle in 1953 at the DLG show in Cologne. The three-pointed star appeared on the front for the first time. The ox-head emblem remained alongside it for a while before disappearing in 1956.
The sales department taken over from Boehringer was gradually absorbed into the Daimler-Benz organisation, for which tractors were initially a new field. More efficient production at the automotive plant helped reduce costs and, as a result, boosted sales. The series designation also changed: 401 now referred to the short wheelbase, 402 to the long wheelbase.
The Unimog U401 was now available in two cab versions: in addition to the open-top square cab that continued to be built, a closed cab version was also offered. Production of this cab was entrusted to Westfalia, a company that would later become primarily known as a manufacturer of motorhome conversions.
Specifications — MERCEDES-BENZ UNIMOG Product Range 401
Variants and model codes
| Model | Name | Cab type | Wheelbase | Power (hp) | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 401.101 | U25 | Open cab | 1720 mm | 25 | OM 636 |
| 401.102 | U25 | Open cab | 1720 mm | 25 | OM 636 |
| 401.103 | U25 | Open cab | 1720 mm | 25 | OM 636 |
| 401.104 | U25 | Closed cab | 1720 mm | 25 | OM 636 |
| 401.105 | U25 | Closed cab | 1720 mm | 25 | OM 636 |
| 401.106 | U25 | Closed cab | 1720 mm | 25 | OM 636 |
Other Unimog U25 models
Unimog 70200 — Launch date: 2/1949
U 2010 — Launch date: 6/1951
U 402 — Launch date: 11/1953
Photo credits: Mercedes-Benz AG