Biglorryblog's man in Belgium Bert De Vuyst has sent me these pictures and links together with the following message (and indeed challenge to BLB readers): "Hello Brian. Here's another picture for the anorak brigade---but what is it? (no, it's NOT a Merc).
Well it ceratinly LOOKS like a Merc Bert but clicking on this link may provide a clue to BLB readers. Yes it's another one of those Chinese truck makers, this time the Baotou Beifang Benchi Heavy-Duty Truck Company Ltd. which, according to its website "....is one of the famous domestic top-class heavy-duty truck manufacturing companies in China." And by the looks of it they have some kind of agreement going with DaimlerChrysler whereby they (BBBHDTCL) build their own trucks with a variety of different engines but with a version of the old SK 'Powerliner' cab range.
Bert has also sent me these links so you can check out the trucks' various spec sheets and he says: "Look at the engines! Have fun, Bert."
And just for good measure he's sent me these two shots of Chinese 'Merc' trucks from the following website.
Meanwhile, to see a really 'classic' Mercedes truck click through here...
'BDV' has sent me this shot and says; "No, this isn't a picture from a classic motor show. It's taken from a sales brochure and yes this old lady is still in production! I don't know if your anorak brigade knows this truck?" Well BLB would certainly claim to as I reckon it's based on a bonneted Mercedes LP six-wheeler and here's a picture of the original LP on one of the more remote Pacific islands where until recently it was still working. My mate Steve Brooks from 'Diesel' magazine in Oz took this shot.
Finally Bert has sent me this link to a rather good website belonging to an Iranian truck maker which will explain everything! It's well worth checking out!
The Iranian website link doesn't work for me, but I have that brochure in my collection too. It's a Mercedes L / LK 2624 produced under license by Khawar in Tehran. The brochure refers to "one of the most powerful and famous trucks in Iran and neighbouring countries." If you compare the Khawar to the "real" Mercedes in the Pacific, you will see the Khawar has a different cab (with a squarer roof line and different pattern doors)
I think the Chinese Baitou Mercs are also known as "North Benz".
The blue LK 2624 Mercedes is a heavy duty truck produced by a large commercial manufacturer in Iran called Iran Khodro. They have a website also.
This truck is quite different in cabin design to the original. For starters it has a huge wide and tall cab which is angular with large front windscreen.
It also comes with heavy duty 24 inch rims, unlike the original versions.
The Iranian Mercedes Benz division in the early 70's called "Khavar" began manufacturing three models, 4x2 LK1921, 4x2, LK1924 and 6x4 LK2624.
The 1924 and 2624 models upon request are still manufactured today.
Good morning, I would be kind enough to know how much costs this vehicle: (mercedes-benz on 2624) because I am interested. thank you
We are looking to purchase the Mercedes Benz Truck Model 2624, under Run Kilometter 30,000.
If you do have please let us know price and send us pictures from all sides,
Thanks,
Don't know where you got "LP" from - 'P' was the old flat fronted "Pullman" cab types.
Used to drive a 2620 with OM 355 motor on the "Hell Run" - Zambia to Dar-es-Salaam in the mid sixties. That was 1000 miles of dirt/gravel, nearly impassable during the rains and rough as hell at any time of year. My worst time from Ndola to Dar? 22 days!!
I have recently returned from a tour in Iraq where I was heavily involved in Transportation. I have several photos of Iraqi truck drivers and their rigs. There are several original (I'm guessing) Mercedes-Benz model 1928 semi-truckers runnjing all over Iraq. (I also saw a model 1924.) Can anyone tell me the years these were made? They appear to be in relatively great shape, considering the enviorment they run in and the very limited access to parts & maintenance. I also have a photo of one of the data plates on the door pillar. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.