At the “Tribute to Carl Benz” event on May 4th this year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Classic presented a broad selection of historic truck models, showcasing several decades of commercial vehicle evolution. As part of the *Festival of the Senses*, these vintage vehicles offered an insight into the development of truck manufacturing under the three-pointed star—from pre-war flatbed models to the distinct front-wheel-drive trucks that defined the late 1960s.
The vehicles were displayed in the directly in front of the palace in Karlsruhe, where visitors were welcomed with expert knowledge, stories, and technical insights. Mercedes-Benz Trucks Classic employees were on hand to assist guests and provide in-depth explanations about the exhibits.
Ten Historic Classics
This year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Classic showcased ten special exhibits, representing a mix of everyday workhorses, international ambassadors, and specialized vehicles for fire departments and long-haul transport. Among them were the impressive “L 4500”, once used in Nigeria, and the “LP 1519”, distinguished by its cubic cab—a defining feature of medium-duty trucks in the 1960s and 70s.
Fire department enthusiasts got their money’s worth with the “LAF 710” and the “L 6600”, both equipped with firefighting bodies. The “LAF 710” had served the Robert Bosch plant fire department in Stuttgart until 2005 and remained in an unrestored yet remarkably original condition.
The “LP 1620, “LP 323”, and the light “LP 608” further illustrated the breadth of Mercedes-Benz’s truck portfolio from that era. The “LP 1620” revolutionised driver comfort with its spacious cabin, featuring a low engine tunnel and expansive glazing. Its numerous maintenance flaps earned it the playful nickname “Advent calendar.”
Meanwhile, the “LP 323” represented the early generation of front-wheel-drive trucks that Mercedes-Benz had introduced in the mid-1950s. The “P” in its designation stood for “Pullmann”—a nod to luxurious railway carriages—and highlighted its thoughtfully designed, comfortable cabin.
Adding to the nostalgic charm, the “L 5000” brought the essence of the 1950s back to the Schlossplatz. As a refined successor to the wartime “L 4500”, this model underwent both technical and aesthetic modernization. The inline six-cylinder pre-chamber engine’s output increased to 120 hp, while the body embraced contemporary design trends with smoother contours on the radiator, bumper, and side hood flaps. Initially manufactured at the Gaggenau plant, its “L 334” variant remained in production for export until 1963.
A Journey Through Time
The oldest Mercedes-Benz Trucks Classic vehicle on display at the “Tribute to Carl Benz” was the “Benz 1 CN”—an extraordinary exhibit from 1922, marking the formative years of motorized goods transport. With a 4,710 cm³ displacement and a four-cylinder S 100 petrol engine generating approximately 35 hp, it was built for steady transport across town and country.
At the other end of this journey through time stood the “Mercedes-Benz LP 608”, a lightweight front-wheel-drive platform truck with a compact cubic cab, first introduced into series production in 1965. Powered by an OM 314 inline four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine delivering 59 kW (80 hp) and a displacement of 3,783 cm³, the LP 608 was paired with a five-speed gearbox, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. With its angular cabin and practical body, this model exemplified the functional, urban commercial vehicles of the 1960s. Notably, an LP 608 truck—matching this exact design—was the very first vehicle to roll off the production line at the newly established Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth on July 14, 1965, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s production history.