Zilch classic truck shows this year, no further explanation needed. So finding this immaculate ol’ Benz truck, parked in a farmyard, on a cloudy fall day, was a bit of a treat.
A conventional 4×2 flatbed truck with dropsides and full canopy, this was a highly common set-up, back in the day.
The L312 is powered by a 4,580 cc inline-six diesel engine, known as the Mercedes-Benz OM 312. Maximum power output 100 DIN-hp. The transmission is a five-speed manual.
With a wheelbase of 360 cm (141.7”), this was the shortest chassis of the series. The 312 was offered as a straight truck and tractor unit, always with two axles, either with a RWD or AWD drivetrain.
* Dutch saying “achter de geraniums zitten”, an inactive lifestyle, especially after one’s retirement.
Love seeing this, Johannes, and your comments. This truck is in amazingly good condition. As you know, we never saw these truck Stateside. I see what looks like a horn for noise in the rear. Is that the backup alarm?
A bit confused here, Tom. I assume you don’t mean the trailer coupling.
Thomas, that looks to me like the trailer hitch, a drop pin type with a metal surround.
Yes, this type of coupling.
What I find interesting is the small car in the background that looks like it has a spraying rig hooked up to it. I’m guessing it is like Paul’s small car/big trailer shots in that it just happens to be parked in front of the rig and isn’t actually hooked up, nor is it set up to be.
Of course those things don’t weigh a lot so a small car probably could carry it. It reminds me of my Jr High gym teacher who was also the baseball coach. He would use his Corolla to drag the infield to prep for games.
SD, that’s a Prius. I wouldn’t hook that up to any farm equipment. You’re not supposed to, anyway.
Very sweet old truck. These were a common sight in Austria back in the day, although not nearly as common as the Steyr. I’m not to wild about the grille treatment though.
Great find!
Is it me or is the front overhang relatively long for its time and size? I’d normally expect to see the wheels pushed further put to the front corners
No it’s not. Set back front axles have been around on trucks since almost forever. It improves the weight distribution, putting more weight on the front axle. Most conventional trucks are available with either a regular or setback front axle.
See Paul’s comment. The norm on heavy Euro trucks and tractors has been a set-back front axle for ages, both on conventionals and cabovers. The only exception in the more recent past was the Renault (AE) Magnum. The steps are placed behind the front wheel, on any other cabover for the Euro-market they were and are ahead of it.
The set-back front axle also leads to a shorter wheelbase, thus a shorter turning radius.
Thanks for the clarification on the trailer hook-up.