1968 | Steyr-Puch Haflinger

🇬🇧 The Haflinger: Austria's Mountain Goat on Four Wheels

🛠️ Small, light, unstoppable

It’s neither a muscle car nor a design statement – and yet the Steyr-Puch Haflinger is one of Europe’s most iconic off-road vehicles. Developed in the 1950s, it became a symbol of Austrian engineering: robust, versatile, tireless.

In his new book "The Steyr-Puch Haflinger of the Austrian Armed Forces", historian Walter Blasi presents 116 pages full of facts, photos, and fascinating stories about this extraordinary 4x4 dwarf – from development to export to military use.

📜 Born from the spirit of reconstruction

After the 1955 State Treaty and the founding of the Bundesheer, Austria began building its own military force – with support from the four former occupying powers. But it soon became clear: true independence required homegrown vehicle solutions.

The answer: a partnership with Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG. In a 1956 demonstration, military officials were shown an improvised off-road vehicle based on the Puch 500 – the Puch 600 M. Originally intended as a rickshaw replacement for Asia, it turned out to be a surprising off-road talent.

➡️ The result? A new, all-wheel-drive prototype – born for alpine terrain. In 1959, series production began: the Haflinger Type 700 AP was here!

🚙 Bite-sized technology – packed into just 600 kg

Despite its compact size, the Haflinger was a true workhorse:

• 24 hp at 4,500 rpm
• Payload of 500 kg with an empty weight of only 600 kg
• Climbing ability: 50–65% fully loaded
• Portal axles, independent suspension & central tube frame

💬 "A vehicle that can do more than you’d expect" – that sums up the Haflinger.

On March 25, 1960, the first 100 vehicles were ceremonially handed over. Shortly afterward, the Haflinger paraded through Vienna for the 5th anniversary of the State Treaty – winning hearts and trust alike.

👑 Royal, rustic, revolutionary

In 1969, even Queen Elizabeth II met the “climber” – during her visit to Austria, she rode in a Haflinger with Governor Wallnöfer in tow. Proof of how much this vehicle symbolized a modern, sovereign Austria.

But the Haflinger also made waves internationally:

🌍 Exported to over 110 countries
🛠️ Tropical versions with cyclone filters for Indonesia
🧨 Weapon platforms for Switzerland & Sweden
⚓ Even used on British aircraft carriers!

Especially successful:

• Switzerland with over 4,500 units
• Indonesia with 1,000 vehicles
• Also delivered to Germany, Australia, Mexico, the USA, Italy & South Africa

🏁 A legend keeps rolling

Despite production ending in 1974, the Haflinger remained in service for decades:
🪖 In the Austrian army until 1996
📋 2,918 units built for Austria’s military alone
🚗 Over 1,500 still registered in Austria (as of 2011)

Today, the Haflinger is a cult classic – a sought-after collector’s item, loved for its simplicity, capability, and indestructible design.

Conclusion:
Whether on steep alpine trails, military maneuvers, or international trade fairs – the Haflinger stands like no other vehicle for Austrian engineering, ingenuity, and off-road capability. A mountain goat on four wheels – with a heart of steel.