Unimog: The ultimate big boys' toy

The Mercedes-Benz Unimog has become legendary for its blend of extreme off-road abilities in civilian and military applications. Photo / Supplied

Even Lego gets in the act as Unimog celebrates its 60th birthday The Mercedes-Benz Unimog has become legendary for its blend of extreme off-road abilities in civilian and military applications.

If it makes a cool toy, it's a cool truck. The iconic Mercedes-Benz Unimog celebrates its 60th birthday this year, which has prompted Lego to create its biggest-ever Technic-series model: a 1:12 scale Unimog made up of 2048 pieces and measuring 386mm.

The Lego Unimog U400 includes full suspension, differentials, a four-wheel-drive chassis, a gear block for extreme ground clearance and a detailed representation of the engine, including moving pistons.

Mercedes-Benz has also created a toy of its own to celebrate: a full-size Unimog concept truck with outrageous lines, an exposed chassis and an open cabin - a nod to the original model of 1951.

The Universal Motor Great (Unimog) has become legendary for its blend of commercial vehicle and extreme off-road abilities - in civilian and military applications. The New Zealand Army has run a large fleet since the 1980s.

Unimogs are used around the world for logging, firefighting, scientific expeditions - anywhere large carrying capacity needs to be combined with the highest level of off-road ability. Service as a snowplough has inspired a special accessory for the Lego Technic version.

The original Unimog concept was for an agricultural vehicle: high, with a small cabin, incredible off-road ability and allowing attachment of a wide variety of implements.

It was created by Albert Friedrich, a former head of aero-engine design at Daimler-Benz; the first drafts were made in 1945 and large-scale production was attempted in 1948.

More investment was needed to make the project viable and Mercedes-Benz took over the project in 1950. Production proper started in 1951, although the Unimog did not wear the marque's Three-Pointed Star until 1953. The original was produced until 1980 and remains the biggest-selling model in Unimog history. However, Mercedes-Benz began to expand the range as early as 1963, with larger and tougher models. In 1974 it also returned to the Unimog's roots and produced a bespoke model for heavy-duty tractor work.

There is a darker side to this generation of Unimogs. The U1700L (1976-88) still used by the NZ Army is seen by many as the classic Unimog, but it's difficult to drive: sensitive steering, a high centre of gravity and enormous, bouncy tyres. NZ Army Unimogs have been involved in more than 100 crashes in 15 years, eight fatal. Army drivers are now required to undergo specific training.

In 1985, Mercedes-Benz started replacing the entire Unimog range. In the 90s, lighter versions were produced with a focus on government work and there was even a recreational model, the Funmog of 1993.

The latest models feature cabins made of fibre composite materials, a driving environment called VarioPilot that can be moved from left to right and engines rated up to 205kW.