While the idea of a 6 Wheel Mercedes might conjure images of modern, ultra-luxurious SUVs, the reality is that Mercedes-Benz’s foray into six-wheeled vehicles has a history stretching back much further – and it might not be what you expect. Often associated with cutting-edge innovation and opulent design, the story of the 6 wheel Mercedes actually begins in a somewhat darker chapter of history.
The Mercedes-Benz W31, or G4, produced in the 1930s, stands as an early example of a six-wheeled vehicle from the German manufacturer. This three-axle off-road car was initially designed as a staff car for the Wehrmacht. These weren’t mass-produced vehicles for everyday military use; instead, the W31s were primarily reserved for high-ranking Nazi officials. Available as a seven-seat tourer or a closed saloon, these imposing vehicles were frequently utilized for parades and inspections by the upper echelons of the Nazi regime. Due to their high production cost, only 57 were ever made, further cementing their exclusivity and association with a specific, albeit controversial, period. Today, a mere handful of these original 6 wheel Mercedes W31s are believed to exist, relics of a bygone era.
However, Mercedes-Benz wasn’t the only manufacturer experimenting with six-wheeled vehicles during this period and beyond. The British marque Range Rover also has its own chapter in the history of six-wheeled automobiles. Interestingly, the Range Rover’s six-wheel variations took a different approach, often focusing on utility and specialized applications rather than high-profile political use.
One notable example is the Carmichael International six-wheel Fire Tender, built upon the chassis of the first-generation Range Rover. These were primarily two-door models that had been extended and fitted with a third, unpowered “lazy” axle, creating a 6×4 configuration. Designed for use in smaller airfields, these fire tenders featured a water pump mounted at the front, directly driven by the Range Rover’s V8 engine. The UK’s Ministry of Defence also procured these vehicles for the Royal Air Force, designating their version as the TACR2. Carmichaels provided the modified chassis, while Gloster-Saro handled the fire-fighting bodywork. Intriguingly, some of these four-door TACR2 Range Rovers, equipped with internally mounted water pumps and gearbox PTOs, have even been converted to full 6×6 drive, demonstrating the versatility of the original design.
The narrative that Mercedes-Benz pioneered the six-wheeled car, especially in a modern, luxury context, overlooks these earlier examples. While today, “6 wheel Mercedes” might immediately bring to mind the Mercedes-AMG G 63 6×6, it’s important to remember the longer, more nuanced history of six-wheeled vehicles and the diverse paths manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover have taken in their development. The story of the 6 wheel Mercedes is richer and more complex than initial impressions might suggest, encompassing both historical significance and surprising parallels with other automotive innovators.
