The restored MB-trac is now on display at the Unimog Museum.

Many decades ago, it rolled across the field where the Unimog Museum now stands today. Now the third MB-trac ever to roll off the production line is returning to its origins after an extensive restoration. As part of the “Start your torque” initiative by Mercedes-Benz Trucks, three trainees from Unimog service partner Schmahl Landtechnik have brought this legend back to life.

Built in Gaggenau.

The MB-trac 65/70 heralded a new era in the 1970s. Produced in Gaggenau, Baden, it embodied the technological transition to modern agricultural machinery. With its robust design, all-wheel drive and universal applicability, it soon became a must-have for agricultural work.

After years of great popularity, the vehicle concept was eventually overtaken by newer models. Production ceased in the 1990s, and the MB-trac was forgotten – but not by everyone.

Good work welds people together.

Three trainees from Unimog service partner Schmahl Landtechnik set themselves the goal of making old iron shine like new. Their mission: to completely restore the third MB-trac ever to have been built. No mean feat, especially considering that this vehicle is around half a century old. The engine had been completely removed, the bonnet was strewn with holes, many parts were defective and rust had penetrated deep into the body. But Hinrich Höper, Sebastian Olli Eriksen and Lars Müller took on the challenge.

We did it all ourselves, with only the instructions and our tools to help.

Hinrich Höper, Trainee, Heinrich Schmahl Landtechnik GmbH

To perfect every detail, not only was a lot of precision and patience required, but above all the ability to work closely together. This special project, which was part of the job initiative “Start your torque”, once again demonstrates the importance of team spirit in this area and the unique experiences young people can gain at a Unimog service partner.

Start your torque

In the end, the trainees put a total of 371 days of hard work into restoring the MB-trac. And they culminate in a moving moment: the restored MB-trac was returns to where it all began. In Gaggenau.

A pioneer in progress.

In the Unimog Museum, the MB-trac 65/70 is now presented again as a functional exhibit, which impressed not only Gaggenau with its advanced technology at the time. Equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine, the MB-trac boasted 65 hp, making it particularly powerful for its size. Its all-wheel drive made it always reliable even in difficult terrain. It was these features that made it a pioneer of modern machines.

History at your fingertips.

The Unimog Museum has set itself the task of not only exhibiting historic vehicles, but also keeping their history alive. The return of the MB-trac 65/70 is a testament to how the museum brilliantly combines tradition and innovation. Restoration projects such as the MB-trac aim to help preserve the region’s technical heritage.