Gelendvagen Biography

G-Powers was 5 hours ago to subscribe the message "Gelendvagen"-a living legend of the world of SUVs. This car is in the garage of the Pope and in the fleet of the President of Russia. But, few people know that the story of Gelandewagen in translated from the German “Car for Offassine”, began in the year, when an experimental Mercedes-Benz G1 was created, equipped with a second rear bridge designed to improve the cross-country ability.

The G1 prototype and the subsequent G2 and G3 modifications did not go to the series: the production of Mercedes-Benz SUVs began only in the year, when a small-scale assembly of the G4 model was organized. This six-meter three-shaped car, equipped with engines from sports models of Mercedes-Benz K and to but without a compressor, was used by the top of the Third Reich. For three years, only 57 copies of the Mercedes-Benz G4 were collected, after which the company launched a new version of the SUV into the series-the G5 army model.

This outwardly unremarkable car with a small body and weak engine had one unique feature: a system of rotation of the wheel of the rear axle. That is, the G5 was not only all -wheel drive, but also full -focused, which provided him with fantastic maneuverability. The last model was produced from for a year and dispersed in the number of copies, but in fame it was significantly inferior to the giant Mercedes-Benz G4.

The latest History of Gelandewagen originates in the year when the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG as part of a joint project with Mercedes-Benz, began to work on an SUV under the coden name H2. According to the terms of marketing, the Mercedes-Benz marketing department at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG design bureau, it should have been a universal car equally suitable for both military needs and private owners.

The Austrians worked promptly: the full -size model of the SUV, made in the old lane made of wood, was ready by the spring of the year, and a year later the running tests of the prototype of the future Gelandewagen have already begun. However, it is not known how the further fate of this model would have developed if exactly 40 years ago, in the year, a significant event had not occurred, which gave a new impetus to the work on the project.

The Iranian Shah Mohammed Reza Pekhlevi learned about the impending SUV. Having familiarized himself with the prototype, the Shah made a truly royal gesture, immediately ordering 20 thousand such cars for his army. True, it was not possible to bring the work he had begun to the end - the coup d'etat that happened in Iran forced him to flee to the United States.

The new Iranian government refused to comply with the terms of the contract, however, the leadership of the Daimler-Benz concern, which spent significant funds for the preparation of the SUV for serial production, and even chose a place for the construction of a new plant in the Austrian grace, there was no longer back. This model had a solid spar frame, was equipped with reliable Mercedes engines, as well as a full -wheel drive system with differential locks and synchronized handout, which could be included during movement.

Unexpected bridges of both axes were based on springs, providing a large stroke of the suspension. Additional capabilities on off -road opened a road clearance in mm and large corners of the entrance. The car was produced in three versions: a station wagon with a long and short base, as well as a convertible. The unpretentious body design, dictated by the possibility of carrying out body repairs by simple devices, did not spoil the appearance of the SUV, but on the contrary, gave it brutality.

Cars from the first parties did not get into private hands, but went to serve in the army. At first, the Austrian military tested the G-Class, then their colleagues from Germany, Argentina, Norway, Switzerland and other countries intercepted the baton. Simple customers also liked the car, and pretty soon the “civilian” versions overtook the army in terms of production.

Over time, Gelandewagen began to resemble a military car less and less: in the list of its equipment there are such options as an automatic gearbox, air conditioning, a leather interior, alloy wheels. Tuning offices took up it, including the Pridvorny Mercedes AMG atelier, as well as the company engaged in armored vehicles. The most famous armored Mercedes-Benz G-Class was the Papashobil, made in the year for the Pope John Paul II: in the rear of the body of this machine, a dome made of Pudlesta glass was installed.

Well, in Russia, this model was honored to become close to the “throne”, replenishing the presidential fleet.