The truck

Purchase

In 1999 we bought a almost new camper which wasn't suitable for travelling in third world countries. So we decided to sell it.

The purchase of a new fully equiped expedition truck turns out to be a costly business. The prices range from € 150.000,-- we also saw a truck for more than € 1.000.000,--

A 4x4 used factory truck costs more than € 75.000,--, also way to expensive. Than we decided to build it our self.

In The Netherlands there is a booming business in used trucks, of the kind that we are looking for. But the kind that we are looking for there are only a few of.
However, in Germany is also a big scène of older trucks. This group is focused on travelling in the Sahara. The vehicles mostly come from German governments services like police and THW.

The most important things for us are functionallity and whether it is repairable.
So it can not be a truck where you have to bring a lorry with a least a ton of spare parts.

This means a truck of a known brand, robust technic for a reasonable price. But you don't find that very easily. Fortunately there is the internet.

After reading a lot of forums, websites and usergroups we come to the conclusion that we need to buy a Mercedes "Kurzhauber".

In August 2001 we visit the international globetrotter meeting from Willy Sahara in Staufenberg.

There are approximately 600 overlanders with all possible vehicles. It gives a good impression of how we could rebuild our truck, and which types there are.

We also visit the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, worlds largest camper exhibit where the Action Mobile Truck is available for a price of € 1 million.

We travelled many weekends through Germany to see cars and to try them out.Ook bezoeken we nog de Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, werelds grootste camper beurs waar een Action Mobil truck staat voor de prijs € 1 miljoen.

Some have no power steering, the others only go at a maximum of 72 km/ h. and a third is too old. During our search the picture of what we really wants becomes clearer .

Here is what we want:

Mercedes 911 or 1113 4x4

Power minimum of 130 pk

Singular tyres

Tyrebase max. 420 cm

Age max. 30 years

Minimum km

Power steering

With these requirements we eventually find a Mercedes 911in Augsburg. Buildingyear 1977, with only 17.000 km. and in a fine condition. The truck has served with the Bundes Grenzschutz as a radio command vehicle. The desks and the shelves for the transmittors are still there.

Eventhough the price is high, we decide to buy it.

In october 2001 we travel with a bag of Marken (German money) and with a friend that is in posession of a truck driverslicense to Frankfurt. The salesman drives the truck from Augsburg to Frankfurt where the transfer takes place.

Very proud we drive back to the first roadhouse to celibrate our purchase with a glass of beer.