Unimog 421

Unimog 421
An Unimog 421 Cabrio
Overview
Type	Tractor
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz
Also called	Unimog 431 Unimog U40 Unimog U45 Unimog U52 Unimog U60
Production	1966–1989
Assembly	Mercedes-Benz-Werk Gaggenau
Powertrain
Engine	OM 636 OM 621 OM 615 OM 616
Transmission	Manual gearbox, 2×4 gears
Chronology
Predecessor	Unimog 411
Successor	Unimog 407

The Unimog 421 is a vehicle of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog series, made by Daimler-Benz. In total, 18,995^[1] units of the Unimog 421 were built from 1966 to 1989 in the Mercedes-Benz Gaggenau plant. It is a medium-sized vehicle bigger than the traditional Unimog 411, but smaller than the Unimog 406. Introduction of new heavy models and Unimog 411 production ceasing in the mid-1970s changed the Unimog 421's role in the Unimog lineup; it became the predecessor of the light Unimog series and thus succeeded the Unimog 411.

Both short and long wheelbase versions, as well as "front half only" OEM part versions, were made. Technically, the Unimog 421 is based on the Unimog 406 and Unimog 411. The plane ladder frame and axles are Unimog 411 parts, and the engines used for the 421-series are also passenger car engines. Cab and gearbox are Unimog 406-related. The 421 closed cab version looks almost exactly like a 406-series cab, but the cabrio version is a bit more narrow and "squat".^[2] A 406-series can be differentiated from a 421-series by the position of the air-intake: A 421-series has the air-intake on the right-hand side of the bonnet, and a 406-series on the left-hand side.^[3]

In Argentina, a copy of the Unimog 421, the 431-series, was produced under licence. From 1969 to 1971, 601 cabrios and 152 closed cab units of the Unimog 431 were made. Daimler-Benz produced CKD-kits in Gaggenau, which were then shipped to Argentina for manufacture. The 431-series was fitted with a 44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS) engine, but has the short wheelbase – this combination was not available for the original 421-series.^[4]