Rare 4WD Workhorse: 1967 Mercedes-Benz LA 911

There are unkillable machines, and then there are the ones that will survive a nuclear blast and tsunami at the same time. This 1967 Mercedes-Benz LA 911 falls squarely in the second category, as it looks like an absolute beast of a truck that combines a few unicorn features: 4WD, a naturally-aspirated OM352 diesel engine, and zero electronic features aside from the most basic of functions (i.e., headlights). While incredibly popular overseas, we rarely see these trucks stateside and with 4WD. Find it here on craigslist for $25,000.

Yes, that’s a lot of dough for an old working rig like this, but the key is in remembering that this isn’t like the random old moving rig or highway department cab you’d see over the years. The short-bonnet design is the universal look for these world-class workhorses, but the “A” in its nomenclature – “LA” – stands for Allrad, which is another way of saying all of the wheels are driven. I can’t confirm whether these were officially imported to the states, but I don’t think they were. Regardless, the asking price makes sense when you consider these are equally sought-out by both heavy-duty commercial users and overlanders alike.

Yes, the overland crowd will slap a box on the back and build a home, all while driving one of the most unkillable machines to roam the roads. The interior is bare-bones, so don’t come here expecting the comforts of home. There’s not even a passenger front seat in this truck, so good luck if you’re the type of person who needs to be cossetted in the cabin. These were used by the German border patrol when new, so I’m guessing this truck was released from government duty and snatched up via a surplus auction of some kind overseas.

Mileage is low, with the seller noting it shows just 48,669 on the clock (78,325 KMs, technically). This also lines up with the notion that it’s ex-military, or perhaps even just ex-government service of some kind. The seller notes from an equipment standpoint, it features “…5 speed transmission, 3 speed aux. transmission, 2 speed transfer case giving a total of 30 speeds forward and 6 speeds in reverse.” That’s like the Unimogs, which usually have a similar assortment of gear combinations. Regardless, this truck is meant for heavy-duty work or off-road excursions that cross terrain your Jeep has nightmares about. The OM352 engine likely makes around 126 b.h.p. and 277 lb-ft of torque, so plan your trips accordingly to how much of it is paved versus unpaved. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mike F. for the find.