Unimog 424 and 427 Models

The 70s were an important time for the Unimog as it underwent many changes. It got a completely revised exterior, more sophisticated powertrains, and more versatility. The Unimog 424 and 427 models were part of the heavy-duty series, offered alongside the regular Unimog 406. They were so great that they sold in higher numbers. So, what made them great?

Unimog 424

The Mercedes Unimog 424 (not to be confused with the currently offered U 424) made its way to the production lines in 1976. It came with an all-new box-like or angular shape, unlike the curvier Unimog trucks that we were all used to back then.

While there were other models that were offered in this shape later on, the 424 along with the 425, was the first-ever Unimog to be offered in this shape. This truck was offered in the Unimog catalog from 1976 to 1986.

It was offered in two different wheelbase versions and was known as the U1000. The 424 featured a 6-cylinder engine with a lot of torque, along with an optional 4WD system. Mercedes also started offering disk brakes on all 4 wheels by the time this model came into production.

The 424 grew so much in popularity that it started outselling the flagship Unimog 406. You can find this truck with varying attachments such as a bulldozer implement. It is an affordable option if you want a Unimog expedition truck. 

Unimog 427

The 424 Unimog was sold for about a decade until it was replaced by the Unimog 427. This looked the same and the dimensions stayed the same as well. However, it offered a more powerful engine. The maximum available torque figures offered on this truck were a lot higher.

The 427 was sold as the Unimog U1400 and it also had two wheelbases to offer. It was manufactured all the way up to 2002. This is another capable truck for overlanding as Merc themselves used a modded version of it in the Dakar Rally for its offroading prowess.