Although Rick Harrison and his crew were unable to make a deal for this 1962 Mercedes-Benz Unimog now being offered up by Dallas Motorsports, it did have the pleasure of having a starring role on “Pawn Stars.” It was featured on Season 5, Episode 37 “What the Truck.” This Unimog has had an interesting life as it began as a military radio truck and infantry carry but has since been rebuilt and painted in Dakar Rally colors. The conversion was rather simple as the Unimog was engineered to tackle the most extreme terrain.

The Unimog or Universal-Motor-Gerät was conceived in 1947 by a Daimler-Benz engineer to have superior off-road capabilities for tackling mountains, desert and mud, but uses for it during the first several years of its production was largely driven by farmers. However, by the 1950s as Germany recovered from WWII, the Unimog began to fill more commercial, sporting, and military roles.

While it’s mill may be small compared to an American V8, the Mog’s 3.3L inline-six turbodiesel engine is capable of powering this German beast no matter how heavy the load. Its capable of hauling 1.5 tons up a 70 percent grade, and can descend a 90 percent grade without tipping over. Its military camper-style bed would make a great platform to convert into a sleeper, and its tires can tackle the world’s most extreme terrain.

Despite not being able to be sold on “Pawn Stars,” the vehicle is for sale again with a price tag of $17,000. It may not make a great race vehicle but it would make an excellent support vehicle for an off-road team or an excellent recreational vehicle. How many of you would make a down payment on this truly hardcore off-roader?