Yes, there is a prototype! The owner of a Mercedes Unimog U403 was bored by the commercial vehicle’s rather unimaginative cab, so he exchanged the body with a Mercedes Geländewagen convertible one’s – the wheelbase was shortened to do so. The thing is street-legal and may tow as much as 22 metric tons – the two mini-excavators are barely a burden. Tobias’ model was created the same way, based on a Roco Unimog and a Herpa Mercedes G (series 461). Wheels and tires from Kibri, a Roco lowboy trailer, and various detail parts make for a very special model. The paint job matches the prototype’s, of course. Photo by Marc Schmidt

Posted October 28, 2004