1941 MERCEDES BENZ LA 2.6

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz adapted its L1500 truck for army use and built it with an all-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes-Benz developed the L1500 as a light utility vehicle, and it was mainly used as a fire-truck with rear-wheel-drive. But the German army needed an off-road vehicle able to carry troops and supplies to the battlefield. The engineers offered a quick solution for that by adding a new front axle and a driveshaft, transforming the civilian truck into an off-road vehicle.

The carmaker created a specific look for the front area that made it different from other army trucks. Its engine compartment was rounded at the top and with long horizontal vents on the sides. The radiator was adorned by the three-star badge painted in the same color as the rest of the car. It couldn’t make it chromed. Depending on the troop’s needs, the bodywork featured side doors and no roof or completely covered cabins for eight occupants, including the driver. Compared with the standard L1500, the A had the radiator pushed above the front bumper, which was welded on the chassis endings.

Mercedes installed two seats at the front for the driver and its co-driver (mechanic – shooter) and two face-to-face benches in the back. The carmaker installed a set of dials for the speedometer, coolant temperature, fuel level, and even a small tachometer for the instrument panel. Behind the passenger area, the carmaker installed a storage compartment. Since Mercedes-Benz had an impressive experience in building open-top vehicles, it made a retractable roof that was folded behind the rear bench.

The carmaker installed a 2.6-liter inline-six gasoline engine in the engine compartment, which provided just 60 hp and was paired to a four-speed manual gearbox.