Unimog 411 – The Last of The Legendary

This beast is one of the variants that made the Unimog a household name. The 411 is the successor to the legendary Unimog 401, the first ever mog to receive the three-pointed star badge from Mercedes.

The 411 filled the shoes of its predecessor quite well and it sold almost 40k units. It was offered in a dozen variants, which were built on one of two wheelbases. The truck came in cab models as well and there were significant technical changes made throughout its production interval.

The 411 stopped production in 1974 after completing a run of 18 years. It eventually became the last of its series and literature suggests that it was succeeded by the larger Unimog 421. The following piece is a tribute to the Unimog 411.

The Military Unimog 411

Like the outgoing Unimog 401, the Unimog 411 was preferred for military applications. This is no surprise considering that it was at least 20 percent more powerful. Not only that, but it was built a lot tougher as well. The new truck had reinforced engine cross members and shocks for added strength.

The 411’s popularity led to a special version created just for the French Armed Forces. It had a larger engine that worked on petrol and was more powerful. The truck was quicker and it had a higher top speed of 90kph. Dimension-wise, it was longer in length, and it had thicker glass.

This truck was created in 1959 and ten years later, it was used by the Portuguese military as well. This truck is important in Unimog history because it served as the baseline for Mercedes to make military Unimog trucks in the future.

Unimog Westfalia Cab (DvF)

This was a limited edition Unimog truck made by Westfalia. It had a lot common with the 401 model because the same version was just modified for the 411’s chassis. The overall design and dimensions of this variant are slightly different (larger) than the standard 411.

You can find them in convertible and hardtop versions today. Some of the later models featured a different trim that was more posh than usual. These Westfalia cab Unimog trucks are a classic truck with only around 1100 models produced up till now.

Unimog 411 Mower

While there weren’t as many Unimog attachments back then as there are now, you could still find a lot of useful implements. A major one was the mower attachment, as you can find some 411 models with a Mower BM 62 KW and other goodies.

Changes of the 411

Over the years, the 411 was changed up quite a bit in terms of both looks and technology. The following are some historic ones:

1957-61 – Exterior, Engine, and Mechanical

There were major changes like regular flashers instead of standard indicators, and modified taillights. The engine output was improved to 32 horsepower and an optional synchromesh gearbox was offered. The rear axle springs were largened and the steering was made tougher.

Even the convertibles saw changes such as new windows made out of PVC. The aforementioned Westfalia Cab also debuted along with the base U 25 model. In the 1958 model, a new 60-liter fuel tank was introduced, plus an improved braking system.

Two years later, a snap lock replaced the outside toggles and there were some exterior design changes. These include the shape of the bonnet and the mirrors being removed from the A-pillar.

1961-63 – Unimog 411a

The 411a model was produced from 1961 to 1963. This model featured many technical upgrades. Starting with the ladder frame which was given higher longitudinal members. Mercedes also offered a brand-new hydraulic system with powered lifts for the front and rear.

Other than that, there were increases in cabin comfort due to changes in the mounting position. Outside, one can notice that the 411a has different headlights. These were now featured on the radiator grill. There was an extra side board added as well.

The 1962 models received minor changes such as a new bonnet and a blinker system. The convertible 411a got a larger rear window. Meanwhile the Westfalia Cab mentioned above got two-part headlight rings.

1963-65 – Unimog 411b

1963 saw the Unimog 411b debut which had an all-new axle design and a new exhaust system. Recognizable by its blacked-out rear fenders, it also came with a bigger windscreen and the convertibles got a more triangular window design. You can also find this version with hydraulic steering.

1965-1974 – Unimog 411c

Finally, the 411c debuted in 1965 and was produced for almost 9 years. This is the most commonly available Unimog 411 in the market. There were changes to some engine components. As a result, this has a slightly larger engine output, and a greater RPM range.

1966 saw a standard color change plus new side wall hinges. The Westfalia Cab models received an A-pillar handle to make entry easier. One year later, the truck was being fitted with the bumper from the Unimog 421. The convertible models got advanced swivel bearings in the front axle.

In the 1968 411c, the frame received improvements in stability with supports and a new mounting plate bracket. The Westfalia models received new sidemirrors. In 1970, the truck received a new dash with a standard fuel gauge and glow monitor.

During the remainder of the 411c’s production, there were some minor exterior changes. You also started to get a proper windscreen washer system. The truck was finally discontinued in 1974. To get a Unimog 411 for sale, check out: https://www.unimogmeister.com/used-unimog-mercedes/unimogs/unimog-2010-401-411/