We tend to get hot and bothered when a Unimog comes up for grabs, but the iconic Pinzgauer 710M is worthy of a look, too, if you’re after a military rig that isn’t a Hummer. This 710M model is for sale after ten years of ownership, and the seller says he drove it home to New Jersey from Arizona with no issues. It remains in excellent condition today and looks like an excellent choice for having the most intriguing vehicle in the beach parking lot. Find it here on craigslist for $18K.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Billw for the find. Interestingly, the references to a Unimog represents an unintended coincidence as the Pinzgauer was manufactured in Austria until just recently, alongside the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. The Pinzguaer is now assembled in Britain by BAE Systems, which bought the rights to the long-standing design. That history aside, not much has changed in the appearance of the 710M, much like VW’s Beetle that maintained its vintage looks for years while still being produced new in Mexico.
The 710M is every bit of a military machine, still fitted with equipment that makes it an ideal “bug-out” vehicle should the zombie apocalypse ever become a stark reality. Fortunately, these days you’re more likely to see one of these rigs pop up on Instagram next to another off-road ready vehicle like the Land Rover Defender 90, as this rudimentary vehicles have increasingly become fashion statements for people who like to pretend these rigs are fun to drive on the street.
Don’t make me out to be a curmudgeon (at least not until you meet me in person and see how cranky I am): I only speak from some related experience, which is that of driving my 1981 Toyota HiAce in modern traffic. Equipped with a diesel making about 60 b.h.p., the thrill of driving a loud, slow vehicle wears off quickly in modern traffic when pitted against teenage girls driving a Hyundai with 200 horsepower, cell phone in hand. If you’ve got property and/or proximity to sand dunes, this Pinzgauer will be the one thing your neighbor doesn’t have – but make sure you have another vehicle to run errands with.
I can’t imagine driving one of these cross-country…cojones muy gigantico!
no. Cerebro pequeño. It must have taken a month…LOL
A good friend has one of these – it may not be fast, but it will go almost anywhere, has a hauling capacity of over a ton, and will run on various fuels, including kerosene. You’d have to spend waaay more than $18K to get a Jeep to go SOME of the places one of these can get you to !
Really cool, too bad I don’t have a use for one.
I would take this over Unimog anytime. This thing will go where no Unimog can go. Check out videos of these off roading, cool stuff.
You have never owned a Unimog. Nothing is in there class……..these are frequently cheeper to buy but nowhere near the quality and capability of the Mercedes. Whether it is labeled a Case or Freightliner…….all the same. Even the Austrian army had Unimogs as replacement for there Pinzgauers when I was there last year. These are light and spindly compared with the Mog.
Sorry, these are at or a better build quality than a Unimog.
They do not have anywhere near the same flex or articulation as any series of Mog but are very solid off-roaders with the locking portal axles and the central tube design. A Pinzgauer will out run any Mog on the road so makes them a bit more user friendly in either the city or on the hwy.
Just as a side note: Steyr Puch still builds the Mercedes G wagon for Mercedes since the G’s inception in 1979.
And yes, I own/have owned all vehicles mentioned above.
For the money? LMTV would be my choice over these Pinzgauers or an Unimog. Cheaper to buy, CAT engine w/an Allison trans, plenty capable for 99.9% or anybody’s needs or uses and the ’98-up versions have ABS.
I will start by saying the 710 is a very capable vehicle but it would take a 712 at the minimum to keep up with a MOG! The Pinz is somewhat rare in this country thus parts are to my knowledge available at only two retailers thus prepare to pay the premium. The engine on this Pinz is air cooled and makes about 80 hp, cruise speed you can expect to be around 45 mph. The prices are going up, very good well built vehicle. In my view there are 3 manufacturers that build true world class off road trucks, the Russian GAZ , Australia Pinz and German UNIMOG are the finest factory built offroaders in the world.
Thanks for saying that Dave I was trying to be a little more gentle, but every word you said is the truth!!
Karl
Have owned my Pinzgauer for about 10 years. Tough as nails, easy to work on and unstoppable.
Here she is. Hope pic comes through
“Stiffler” – after the snowstorm we had here last night I was thinking of something like this. Now have seen the photo of yours…nice (and apropos).