1974 | Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer 710 K

Here is a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of history. This is pin-sharp specialist equipment developed way ahead of its time.

The Pinzgauer is known worldwide as a benchmark for its off-roading capability. No need to mess around with aftermarket upgrades: this thing is decked to the rafters with all you will ever need, right out of the box. It will go anywhere. Just don't be in a hurry, because it was not built for speed.

However, without lifting an eyebrow it will put to shame custom builds and anything that claims to be "hardcore off road", yet look like it was drawn by a four year old. Which it wasn't. Function over form, this is. It works. Relentlessly. You can't break it. It will outlive us all.

It is extremely capable, and much like a unicorn to the 4x4 community. The holy grail of off-road vehicles. I usually take it out for practice in a local pay-and-play area, and it receives wild acclaim every time. Even at the petrol station, one gets showered with questions about it.

Gearbox and transfer box are synchronised, so you can change from high to low gears and vice-versa while on the move. It is highly effective and works a charm.

You can also enter 4 wheel drive and lock both front and rear differentials independently, also on the go as they too are synchronised and hydraulically operated. A brilliant feat of engineering for its time. All works as it should.

All fluids and filters have been replaced (engine, gearbox, transfer box, differentials and portals).

Spare service items are included (fan belt, filters, spark plugs,...)

Engine has been well maintained, carburetters overhauled, valves adjusted, Pinz SSi electronic ignition installed and properly set (original system always on board, just in case), starter motor rebuilt.

Brake hydraulics have been overhauled

Both batteries have been renewed

New axle boots

New clutch hydraulics

LED lights all around, plus a light bar in the front and rear flood light. Yes, I'm afraid of the dark. Let there be light!

Despite the respray (performed before I took ownership), it retains a whole lot of original military-grade details, such as interior black-out lights and map reading lamps, privacy curtains, aerial stubs...

This 710K was originally a radio-relay vehicle decked out with radio equipment, all of which is missing, sadly.

Brief history of this mechanical masterpiece:

This car was sold as a surplus from the Austrian army, then served as a tech-support vehicle for a Paris-Dakar back in the '80s (private French team). It was then sold to a Belgian businessman who transformed it into an overlanding motor-home for his own leisure, and I bought it from him in 2020 with the intention of entering it in the Superkarpata navigation event. Sadly, I will never be able to participate, and after a bit of practice off-road, I have to admit that I seldom use it, and I would rather it find a new home.

It is fitted with a useful twin gas hob (with thermal gas cut-off system) and sink. It used to have a twin bed, which was removed in favour of two of the three original rear seats (the third one is present), but you can comfortably sleep in it on the floor. After a day out on the trails, engine and gearbox provide a nice heat source.

Speaking of which, the original fuel-powered Webasto heater is present too, although has been removed to locate the electronic ignition system, made specifically for the Pinzgauer in the USA (Pinz SSi). It works really well, starts on the button every time, all day every day.

The negative sides: a fresh set of tyres would be a good idea, although when in 4x4 and both diffs locked it could still climb a tree. Massive torque and locked axles will take you anywhere, but more tread is always better. Spare tyre has never been used.

Rear quarter panels have been modified to incorporate extra windows, but they are not water-tight. I have a brand new rear left quarter panel to weld in place, however.

There is some rust in the wheel arches which can either be locally patched up, or new parts fitted in their stead. All is available brand new off the shelf fifty years on, so don't be afraid about sourcing parts for this behemoth.

Although the brakes have been overhauled, there is a problem with the servo membrane. I have never had it working, but a sure foot is all you need to bring it to a halt, locked wheels and everything. It passed MOT in that state.

The front right portal oil seal is weeping.

Other than that, the chassis is rock solid, front and rear differentials plus the transfer box are perfectly tight (no oil leaks).

It is currently roadworthy and registered in Belgium.

Original parts are widely available from the manufacturer, and it is a breeze to work on. Is was designed as a bunch of sub-assemblies bolted together, so it would be easy to fix. It is heavy work mind you, and specialist equipment can be required (the manufacturer has it all if required).

Buyer should arrange transportation.

Viewing can be arranged by WhatsApp if required, although it is better to see it for real and go for a test drive.

Price is of course negotiable within reason.